HUMAN Rights Day is observed annually on December 10th around the world. It marks the anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), one of the most groundbreaking global pledges in history. This landmark document enshrines the inalienable rights to which every person is entitled, regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, language, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth, or other status.
“The Universal Declaration shows the way to common values and approaches that can help resolve tensions and create the security and stability our world craves,” said UN Secretary-General António Guterres. Human rights empower individuals and communities to build a better tomorrow. By embracing the full power of human rights as the path to the world we desire, we can become more peaceful, equal, and sustainable. This year’s theme, “Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now”, is a call to recognize the importance and relevance of human rights in our daily lives.
In Myanmar, the constitutional framework — specifically Sections 347, 348, and 349 — serves as a bulwark in safeguarding the fundamental rights of its citizens. This commitment ensures that all Myanmar citizens not only have the right to enjoy fundamental freedoms but are also bound by the responsibility not to infringe upon the rights of others, regardless of the circumstances.
The Myanmar National Human Rights Commission, in line with its mandate, is actively promoting and protecting human rights. As part of this effort, it has translated the Universal Declaration of Human Rights into Myanmar and 21 indigenous languages. The Declaration has also been printed as posters and made into animated films for distribution. These initiatives aim to raise awareness and understanding of human rights among indigenous communities. The National Human Rights Commission Law was enacted by the Union Parliament on 28 March 2014, as Law No 21. Subsequently, the MNHRC was established in accordance with this law, marking the first such commission in Myanmar’s history. Although the commission was initially established on 5 September 2011, through Notification 34/2011, it was restructured under the law on 24 September 2014.
In line with the objectives set forth in the Commission Law, efforts to establish a human rights organization that upholds and protects human rights are being carried out. These efforts include safeguarding human rights, investigating violations, and implementing relevant recommendations. Furthermore, the Commission conducts inspections and audits of prisons, detention centres, lock-ups, and holding facilities. Based on its findings, the Commission submits pertinent recommendations to the appropriate government departments.
