Myanmar at the UN Human Rights Council 49th Regular Session
Side Event
Justice and Accountability for Myanmar
Expectations and Possibilities

Date: Tuesday, 22 March 2021
Time: 10.00 – 11.30 CEST / 16.00 – 17.30 Bangkok time
Register here: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_rTYTAFyYS-WwK3s_sgszdQ
Live via: Zoom, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube
Interpretation: Burmese interpretation will be provided on Zoom platform

Over one year since the Myanmar military initiated a violent coup d’état, the military’s brutal attempt to take power from the people of Myanmar has failed. Against all odds, the people of Myanmar continue to resist the Myanmar military, steadfastly demonstrating the strong will of the people of Myanmar in face of grave human rights violations committed against them.

The human rights situation in Myanmar is facing a nadir. The UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights have stated that the Myanmar military has engaged in systematic and widespread human rights violations, which may amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity. Yet, the international community, including the UN, has not responded with the immediacy and concerted effort that is needed to address the grave crimes committed by the military. Victims and survivors of grave crimes – past and present – have yet to see justice as perpetrators continue to enjoy total impunity, as they have enjoyed for decades, without being held to account.

Against this backdrop, a representative of the National Unity Government – formed by democratically-elected representatives chosen by the Myanmar people in the 2020 general elections – and civil society organizations will offer updates on the human rights situation in Myanmar. Discussion will be followed by analysis and recommendations from the Special Advisory Council for Myanmar, comprised of former UN mandate holders on the human rights situation in Myanmar. The side event will reflect on the Human Rights Council’s response to Myanmar during its 49th Regular Session while identifying opportunities for future Council sessions towards justice and accountability for grave crimes committed in Myanmar.

Panelists:

• Aung Myo Min, Minister for Human Rights, National Unity Government of Myanmar
• Marzuki Darusman, Member of the Special Advisory Council for Myanmar and Former Chair of the UN Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Myanmar
• Salai Za Uk, Deputy Executive Director, Chin Human Rights Organization
• Naw Htoo Htoo, Programme Director, Karen Human Rights Group

• Razia Sultana, Rohingya Human Rights Activist Founder of RW Welfare Society

Moderator: Khin Ohmar, Founder and Chairperson, Progressive Voice

This is a UN side event at the UN Human Rights Council 49th Regular Session organised by FORUM-ASIA and Progressive Voice.

Media contact: For more information or to set up an interview with any of the speakers, please contact Adam Ahmed, FORUM-ASIA adam@forum-asia.org or Rin Fujimatsu, Progressive Voice rin@progressive-voice.org.

About the organizations: 

The Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA) is a network of 82 member organizations across 23 countries, mainly in Asia. Founded in 1991, FORUM-ASIA works to strengthen movements for human rights and sustainable development through research, advocacy, capacity development and solidarity actions in Asia and beyond. It has consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council, and consultative relationship with the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights. The FORUM-ASIA Secretariat is based in Bangkok, with offices in Jakarta, Geneva and Kathmandu. https://www.forum-asia.org/

Progressive Voice is a participatory rights-based policy research and advocacy organization rooted in civil society, that maintains strong networks and relationships with grassroots organizations and community-based organizations throughout Myanmar. It acts as a bridge to the international community and international policymakers by amplifying voices from the ground, and advocating for a rights-based policy narrative. www.progressivevoicemyanmar.org