SPEAKER of the Pyithu Hluttaw U Khin Yi, accompanied by Deputy Speaker U Maung Maung Ohn and officials from the Pyithu Hluttaw Office, met members of the Committee on Domestic and International Non-Governmental Organizations in Nay Pyi Taw yesterday.
Committee Chair U Thet Pon explained the duties and ongoing work plans of the committee, and the Pyithu Hluttaw Deputy Speaker said the committee will work with domestic organizations to help enhance the dignity of the Hluttaw and strengthen the capacity of lawmakers.
The Pyithu Hluttaw Speaker said Pyithu Hluttaw has formed 22 committees to coordinate with government ministries and that each committee must carry out its responsibilities to generate meaningful questions and proposals that will benefit the country and the people. He continued that Myanmar currently has 3,666 registered non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and 45 international non-governmental organizations (INGOs). He said these organizations contribute to national development, humanitarian assistance, and food security, providing valuable support to the country. The Hluttaw, he added, should review their activities from a legal perspective and establish an appropriate framework to ensure they can contribute effectively to national interests.
He pointed out that Myanmar has yet to enact specific laws for NGOs and INGOs and suggested that the committee discuss the need for laws such as an NGO/INGO Management Law, a Foreign Assistance Transparency Law, a Volunteer Service Law, a Data Protection Law, a Public Benefit Organization Law and a Humanitarian Coordination Law.
He urged the committee to review existing laws related to organizations, assess the registration, objectives, operations and financial activities of NGOs and INGOs in cooperation with relevant departments. He also called for coordination with NGOs and INGOs to address their challenges through Hluttaw mechanisms and ensure they can effectively support the State and the people. He also stressed efforts to strengthen the role of the Hluttaw and make it a trustworthy institution during its five-year term.
After the meeting, the Speaker cordially met the committee chair, secretary and members. — MNA/KTZH
