Assessing the Effectiveness of the Myanmar National Human Rights Commission in the Wider Regional Geo-Political Context

Abstract

This chapter reviews the effectiveness of the Myanmar National Human Rights Commission (MNHRC) in the promotion and protection of human rights in Myanmar and how its relationship and engagement with several regional and international stakeholders and mechanisms, such as the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR), South East Asia NHRI Forum (SEANF), Asia Pacific Forum of NHRIs (APF), Global Alliance of the NHRIs (GANHRI) and its predecessor, and the United Nations (UN), have influenced this process. The objective of this chapter is not only to analyse the legal framework of the MNHRC and whether or not it conforms to the Paris Principles, but also to analyse its practical work and what it has achieved so far in terms of protection and promotion of human rights. The chapter necessarily also takes a closer look at the creation and influence of the AICHR on Myanmar and the MNHRC as well as their engagement with the regional mechanism. Challenges are identified and named, but also progress made and achievements in order to come up with constructive feedback for the MNHRC to move forward towards becoming a National Human Rights Institution (NHRI) that not only will be in conformity with the Paris Principles, but also has a real impact on improving the human rights situation in Myanmar.