MNHRC’s decision to openly consult with civil society on its Draft Strategic Plan 2020-2024 demonstrates a willingness to conduct a real, substantive and open consultative process. FEM has reviewed the Draft on the basis of international standards and past experiences, and makes 5 positive recommendations
If adopted, the Myanmar government’s new Bill would significantly undermine the right to information (RTI) in one of the world’s most secretive countries. FEM urges the government and parliament to substantively revise the Bill in accordance with international democratic standards. The Ministry of Planning and
“We are very happy to see Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo freed after 18 months of imprisonment. This is a great day for them and their families. So many people in Myanmar and worldwide will be celebrating their release,” said FEM Director, Yin Yadanar
Download the full report Defamation? International standards and Myanmar’s legal framework » Myanmar is not the first country to start a transition to democracy. It follows many others, most of which have found that reforming defamation laws was a critical first step to democracy. Without
A new parliamentary committee tasked with reviewing Myanmar’s constitution is an opportunity for the government to guarantee the democratic rights to free expression, media freedom, and access to information. We welcome the government’s creation of the Constitutional Amendment Committee, established to review and propose amendments
The Draft Amendment Bill of the Law Protecting the Privacy and Security of Citizens was published on the Union Parliament website on 25 February 2019, in order to inform the public. We welcome the government’s attempt to amend the privacy law. Since its adoption in
Across Myanmar, women human rights defenders (WHRDs) exercise their right to freedom of expression to expose discrimination and injustice, name-and-shame perpetrators, and speak uncomfortable truths to power. In doing so, they risk retaliation including physical, sexual, and psychological gender-based violence (GBV). The risk of GBV
Nine months after Myanmar CSOs wrote to Mark Zuckerberg raising concerns about content moderation, what has changed? What positive steps have been taken and what negative ones? What should happen next? This is just one session at the Myanmar Digital Rights Forum, 18-19 January in Yangon.
What happens to those who speak out about “sensitive” issues online? What backlash do they face? And from whom? What risks do women face if they talk about sexual and reproduction rights? What happens when you raise LGBT rights? This is just one session at the
Myanmar’s nascent internet freedom has declined in 2018 for the second year in a row under the NLD according to US-based Freedom House’s annual report launched today and researched by FEM. Myanmar’s score deteriorated from 61 to 63 in 2017 and worsened again to 64