In May 2021, the Asia Pacific Forum of National Human Rights Institutions (APF) issued a statement on the situation in Myanmar, condemning the military coup and expressing deep concern about the inability of the Myanmar National Human Rights Commission (MNHRC) to perform its mandated functions in line with the Paris Principles.

We therefore acknowledge and understand the concerns raised by the CSO Working Group on Myanmar National Human Rights Commission Reform in their open letter dated 30 June 2022.

As the MNHRC is a “B-status” national human rights institution accredited with Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions, and a current associate member of the APF, we remain committed to working with the Commission in line with the rules of the APF Constitution.

We believe it is important that open and transparent lines of communication between the APF and the MNHRC remain in place. We are committed to providing support to the Commission and strengthening its capability to meet the expectations of an independent, credible and effective NHRI.

Emeritus Professor Rosalind Croucher AM Chairperson, Asia Pacific Forum of National Human Rights Institutions