UN RIGHTS EXPERT WELCOMES RELEASE OF WOMEN PRISONERS IN MYANMAR

13 March 2002



Paulo Sergio Pinheiro, Special Rapporteur of the Commission on Human Rights on the situation in Myanmar, has welcomed the country’s release over the past three weeks of 195 women prisoners, including 136 with young children and 59 expectant mothers, who had been detained for criminal charges.

The Special Rapporteur, who had stated in his report to the upcoming session of the Commission on Human Right (document E/CN.4/2002/45) that female prisoners with children and who are pregnant constituted one of the most vulnerable groups of the prison population, said today he was "encouraged that the Government of Myanmar is beginning to address this concern".

The Special Rapporteur added that he hoped this positive step, taken shortly after his visit to Myanmar from 10 to 19 February 2002, would be followed by the release of all political prisoners in the near future.




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