A/HRC/31/71 which would comprehensively underpin the consolidation of democracy and rule of law in the country. 73. Myanmar underwent its second universal periodic review in November 2015. While the Special Rapporteur commends the Government for its active engagement in the process, she regrets that many important recommendations were not accepted, including recommendations on the Peaceful Assembly and Peaceful Procession Law, the Citizenship Law and the four “race and religion” laws. She calls upon the Government nonetheless to consider implementing these recommendations. The Special Rapporteur hopes that the Government will take the necessary steps to ensure follow-up to the recommendations accepted, and those made by other human rights mechanisms. In this regard, she welcomes the statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that Myanmar will consider the development of a national human rights plan of action to support the implementation of the recommendations accepted during the universal periodic review. 74. In November 2015, the Subcommittee on Accreditation of the International Coordinating Committee of National Institutions for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights classified the Myanmar National Human Rights Commission with “B” status. The Special Rapporteur urges the Government to amend the Myanmar National Human Rights Commission Law (2014) and to act on the Subcommittee’s recommendations, particularly with regard to the appointment process and the need to ensure adequate funding and to safeguard the Commission’s financial independence. 75. Lastly, given the broad scope of prevailing human rights challenges and the priorities for the new Government, the Special Rapporteur continues to highlight the value of establishing an office of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) with a full mandate. The continued restrictions on visas and travel authorizations faced by the OHCHR team currently operating in Myanmar illustrate the need for a sustainable, long-term solution. The establishment of a full-fledged OHCHR office in Myanmar in the coming months could provide the Government and Parliament with much needed assistance and support in their efforts to consolidate democratic reforms and to ensure greater respect for human rights during this important period. IV. Conclusions 76. Myanmar is a very different country to the one of just a few years ago. Four years of wide-ranging reforms have undeniably changed the situation of human rights. The impact of the historic elections held in November 2015, resulting in the formation of a new Government and Parliament, with more than 100 former political prisoners among them, cannot be overstated. Now is not, however, the time for complacency. The uncertainty and lack of clarity in government authority and functioning during this period of transition will not, it is to be hoped, be accompanied by instability and political tensions, which could provide an environment for further human rights abuses and violations. The situation should be monitored closely. 77. There is now a real opportunity to address and tackle the key human rights challenges that continue to affect all communities in Myanmar. These challenges should be at the top of the country’s agenda over the coming weeks and months. The Special Rapporteur believes that this is essential in order to make meaningful and real progress towards democratic transition, national reconciliation, sustainable development and peace in Myanmar. While progress can and should be made quickly and urgently in some areas, others issues will take time to resolve. These are complex issues that will require not only legislative and policy change, but also a change in behaviour and mindset. The Government should regard civil society and human 17