Myanmar visit by UN Special Rapporteur

GENEVA (25 July 2012) – The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in Myanmar, Tomás Ojea Quintana, will undertake a visit to the country from 30 July to 4 August 2012, at the invitation of the Government.

“We are continuing to witness significant progress on reforms, which I hope will culminate in the creation of a peaceful and vibrant democracy that respects human rights and upholds the rule of law,” the Special Rapporteur said.

“At the same time, Myanmar is confronted with ongoing human rights challenges, including in relation to the recent violence in Rakhine state, as well as continuing armed conflict, particularly in Kachin state. My visit to the country will help me to assess these developments and challenges for the purpose of my upcoming report to the General Assembly.”

During his six-day visit, the independent expert, designated by the UN Human Rights Council to monitor and report on the human rights situation in Myanmar, will meet with Government officials, members of Parliament, the National Human Rights Commission, and civil society in Naypyitaw and Yangon. He has also requested visits to Rakhine state and Kachin state.

On 4 August, at the end of his mission, Mr. Ojea Quintana will present preliminary observations at a press conference at Yangon International Airport at 18h15. His full report on the visit will be presented to the 67th session of the General Assembly.

(*) Check the latest progress report on Myanmar by the Special Rapporteur:
http://daccess-dds-ny.un.org/doc/UNDOC/GEN/G12/116/04/PDF/G1211604.pdf?OpenElement

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. Learn more, log on to: http://www2.ohchr.org/english/countries/mm/mandate/index.htm

UN Human Rights, country page – Myanmar: http://www.ohchr.org/EN/countries/AsiaRegion/Pages/MMIndex.aspx

For more information and media requests, please contact:
In Geneva (before the mission): Mr. Daniel Collinge (+41 22 928 9173 / dcollinge@ohchr.org).
In Yangon (during the mission): U Aye Win, National Information Officer, (+95 9 421060343 / aye.win@undp.org).

For media inquiries related to other UN independent experts:
Xabier Celaya, UN Human Rights – Media Unit (+ 41 22 917 9383 / xcelaya@ohchr.org)

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