9 June

Myanmar plans on signing the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights-ICCPR. We have not yet signed the ICCPR, but we are already fulfilling those rights included in the covenant.

Our willingness to sign the ICCPR reflects our commitment to promoting human rights in our country.

Additionally, in 2020 we will submit the national report to the Universal Periodic Review-UPR, which is a unique process involving a peer review of the human rights records of all 193 UN member states. It is an important tool of the Human Rights Council (HRC) aimed at sharing best practices.

The 2020 report will also detail developments in our country. In fact, the ICCPR is the one agreement which can guarantee giving full protection to the people, and preventing any loss of their rights.

The rights recognized in the covenant are derived from the inherent dignity of the human being, which are to be followed by all people when building a democracy.

The inherent dignity and the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world.

In accordance with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the ideal of free human beings enjoying civil and political freedom, as well as freedom from fear and want can only be achieved if conditions are created whereby everyone may enjoy his civil and political rights, as well as his economic, social and cultural rights.

After signing the ICCPR, Myanmar would have to implement the rights in the covenant and must raise awareness about civil and political rights so that our people can know their rights and the conduct they should follow in recognition of others’ rights.
The first thing that we must do is to translate the covenant into Myanmar’s language, to ensure suitable usage from a legal point of view.

When signing the covenant, some points in it would be considered exceptions, as they are not acceptable for our country.
The signing of the ICCPR would become a significant milestone in our history of promoting human rights in the country.

By signing the ICCPR, which is regarded by the international community as an international covenant supporting a strong democratic nation, Myanmar will be able to show its political will to protect and promote human rights.

But before signing the covenant, we need to promote the skills, capacities and abilities of our government employees so they can effectively participate in carrying out the covenant with a better understanding of the ICCPR.

GNLM