UN expert on Myanmar welcomes new amnesty and calls for the release of all prisoners of conscience

GENEVA (5 July 2012) – The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in Myanmar, Tomás Ojea Quintana, welcomed the presidential decree to grant another amnesty and release a number of prisoners of conscience on Tuesday.

“I am encouraged by the momentum of reform and the gradual steps taken by the government towards national reconciliation,” Mr. Ojea Quintana said. “However, I renew my call for the immediate and systematic release of all prisoners of conscience without conditions.”

The independent expert stressed the need for a comprehensive and thorough investigation to clarify records of remaining prisoners of conscience and called on the Government to initiate consultations with all stakeholders to gather relevant information.

The Special Rapporteur would be engaging with the Government further on key human rights concerns on his next mission to Myanmar.

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 Maureen Teo (+41 22 928 9113 / mteo@ohchr.org) or write to sr-myanmar@ohchr.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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