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Myanmar

UN human rights expert to visit Myanmar from 14-19 February

The UN Special Rapporteur for the situation of human rights in Myanmar, Tomás Ojea Quintana, will undertake his second mission to Myanmar from 14 to 19 February 2009.

The main objectives of his visit are to assess the development of the situation of human rights since his previous mission last summer. He will also discuss with relevant officials the implementation of the four core human rights elements that the Special Rapporteur has recommended be completed before the elections scheduled for 2010. These are: the revision of domestic laws to ensure compliance with international human rights standards and provisions of human rights in the new Constitution, the progressive release of all prisoners of conscience, human rights training for and reform of the military, and the independence of the judiciary.

Ojea Quintana has requested to meet in private with a number of prisoners of conscious as well as leaders of political parties. He also intends to travel to Rakhine, Kayin and Kachin States.

For use of the information media; not an official record