A/HRC/17/2
445. Jubilee Campaign was concerned that Myanmar did not support the
recommendations made relating to its 2,200 political prisoners, despite the transition to
democracy. It was disturbed about ongoing attacks targeting civilians and violations
reportedly committed by the army. It lamented the history of killing of unarmed peaceful
civilians and the widespread use of rape by the army, and emphasized that impunity must
end. It took note of the recommendation of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of
human rights in Myanmar that a commission be established to investigate reports of crimes
against humanity, and urged Myanmar and the international community not to take this
conclusion lightly.
446. The Worldview International Foundation stated that, despite the release of 51
prisoners of conscience, the amnesty had had no impact on the majority of them. It
expressed concern at the use of torture in places of detention, the poor prison conditions
and the denial of medical care to prisoners. Noting the recent hunger strikes of prisoners of
conscience, the Foundation urged Myanmar to ensure the International Committee of the
Red Cross immediate access to all prisons. While referring to the absence of mechanisms to
establish justice and accountability, it called on the Human Rights Council to establish a
commission of inquiry to look into the violations of international humanitarian and human
rights laws.
447. Conectas Direitos Humanos highlighted the systematic use of sexual violence. It
noted the cases of rape as well as the fear and stigma affecting survivors, while none of the
perpetrators was punished. It noted the absence in the election of 2010 of affirmative action
to promote women’s participation. In war-torn zones of the country, women and children’s
health and education were severely affected. It recommended that Myanmar adopt
legislation criminalizing rape, ensure punishment of perpetrators and make reparation to
victims. It also recommended that humanitarian assistance should be allowed without
restrictions, and called on the Human Rights Council to establish a commission of inquiry
into violations in the country.
448. Amnesty International noted that more than 2,200 political prisoners were detained
in inhumane conditions. It expressed concern that Myanmar had accepted only 74 of the
190 recommendations made during the review. Amnesty International referred to reports of
crimes against humanity by the security and armed forces against ethnic minorities in
eastern Myanmar. Investigation and prosecution of such violations and crimes had been
obstructed by the constitutional provision that stipulated that no proceeding could be
instituted against military officials in respect of any act done in the execution of their
duties. Amnesty International called for the establishment of an international commission
of inquiry to investigate crimes against humanity and possible war crimes.
449. The Asian Legal Resource Centre noted that Myanmar had rejected
recommendations to end impunity, reform its legal system and improve cooperation with
the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar. Although Myanmar
had accepted to end torture, it had not accepted to ratify the Convention against Torture and
Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. Corruption throughout the
State apparatus was noted, as was the lack of an independent and impartial judiciary, and
the control of the police by the army. It regretted the absence of avenues for redress and of
a normative framework for the protection of human rights. It reiterated its support for the
mandate of the Special Rapporteur, and called on the Human Rights Council to ensure an
independent international inquiry into human rights abuses in Myanmar.
450. The International Federation for Human Rights expressed concern over a wide range
of human rights abuses. By referring to the undemocratic provisions of the Constitution of
2008, and the unfair and non-free elections in 2010, it called on Myanmar to enter into an
inclusive dialogue with stakeholders and to initiate a comprehensive review of the
Constitution. Furthermore, it supported recommendations for the release of all political
GE.12-13630
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