Myanmar: fact-finding mission by UN human rights expert

GENEVA (18 August 2011) – The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, Tomás Ojea Quintana, will launch his first fact-finding visit to Myanmar since February 2010. He will visit Yangon and Naypyitaw from 21 to 25 August, at the invitation of the Government.

“This mission takes place in a somehow different political context, with a new Government in place since April, following last year’s elections, and my main objective is to assess the human rights situation from that perspective,” Mr. Ojea Quintana said.

During his five-day visit, the independent expert designated by the UN Human Rights Council to monitor and report on the situation in Myanmar will meet with Government ministers and various other relevant stakeholders. He will also have the opportunity to see the new parliament in session in Naypyitaw,

On 25 August, at the end of his mission, Mr. Ojea Quintana will present preliminary observations at a press conference in Yangon, with further details to follow. His full report on the visit will be presented to the UN General Assembly later this year.

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.

For additional information on the mandate of the Special Rapporteur, please visit: http://www2.ohchr.org/english/countries/mm/mandate/index.htm

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

For press inquiries and additional information, please contact Mr. Aye Win,
National Information Officer, UNIC (Tel: 0095 1 546 933-4 / Fax: 0095 1 544 531 / email: aye.win@undp.org)

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