Myanmar: UN High Commissioner for Human Rights statement ahead of elections

“We welcome the statement of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights today calling on the government of Myanmar to better protect the rights to freedom of expression and assembly in the countdown to the October elections in Myanmar. The Commissioner’s concern for the protesters and journalists languishing in prison or facing numerous charges with potentially long sentences, is commendable,” said Thomas Hughes, ARTICLE 19 Executive Director.

ARTICLE 19 has been working with the Office for the High Commissioner and other UN mechanisms to highlight the challenges that remain before the upcoming elections, the conduct of which will be the clearest test on the transition in Myanmar.

Over the past months, ARTICLE 19 has worked with media associations, all the main political parties, the Union Election Commission, and parliament and its committees to establish a strong understanding of the policies and practices necessary to protect freedom of expression and freedom of the media in order to make a free and fair election.