UN expert on Myanmar welcomes release of Aung San Suu Kyi

GENEVA (14 November 2010) -- The UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, Tomás Ojea Quintana, on Sunday welcomed the release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, and expressed hope that her release would constitute a significant first step towards real change in the country.

"The release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is not only important because of her own destiny, but also because it could symbolize a real start for the improvement of the human rights situation, and provides an opportunity for genuine national reconciliation and democractic transition in Myanmar," Mr. Ojea Quintana said.

The Special Rapporteur urges the Government to follow on this with the release of the remaining prisoners of conscience.

ENDS

Mr. Tomás Ojea Quintana (Argentina) was appointed by the United Nations Human Rights Council in May 2008. As Special Rapporteur, he is independent from any government or organization and serves in his individual capacity.

See also: OHCHR Country Page – Myanmar: http://www.ohchr.org/EN/countries/AsiaRegion/Pages/MMIndex.aspx

For more information, contact: cchung@ohchr.org