Supporting war criminals: How the largest global human rights network is legitimizing the illegal military junta in Myanmar
Civil society networks working to strengthen the promotion and protection of national human rights institutions will hold an online press conference

When: Monday 27 February 2023, 14:30 – 15:30 Yangon Time (GMT+6:30)
Registration: bit.ly/3KpA92i

One of the largest human rights networks worldwide, the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI), which is a partner of the United Nations with a Head Office in Geneva, Switzerland, has invited representatives of the Myanmar military junta to its 2023 Annual Meeting. The GANHRI’s Annual Meeting will be held in person in Geneva at the UN on 14 – 16 March 2023.
Over two years since the 1 February 2021 failed coup, the Myanmar military has committed grave crimes, including war crimes and crimes against humanity with total impunity. Over 3,000 people have been killed by the military junta and nearly 20,000 people arrested. Since 2021, the Myanmar junta has been utilizing international platforms to promote its propaganda to legitimize its illegal attempts to grab power. The Myanmar National Human Rights Commission (MNHRC), which has since February 2021 been under the control of the illegal junta and is likely to attend the meeting, has acted as an agent of the military, representing the interests of the illegitimate military junta and advancing the junta’s propagandas at regional national human rights institution’s meetings and conferences.

The CSO Working Group on Independent National Human Rights Institution (Burma/Myanmar) and the Asian NGO Network on National Human Rights Institutions (ANNI) will hold a press conference to highlight the concerns of civil society. We will also launch an analysis paper “Accessory to the Junta’s Crimes” which evaluates the MNHRC’s actions and complicity in the junta’s failed coup in the context of Myanmar’s Spring Revolution. The panelists will discuss why GANHRI’s invitation to the junta has serious repercussions for the people of Myanmar and what actions GANHRI can take to correct its course.

Speakers:

•  Khin Ohmar, Founder and Chairperson of Advisory Board, Progressive Voice
•  Shanna Priangka Ramadhanti, Coordinator, Asian NGO Network on National Human Rights Institutions (ANNI)
•  Zee Pe, Director, Athan – Freedom of Expression Activist Organization