Many cases in which basic human rights and dignity were lost due to oppression, violence and lawlessness have occurred around the world. However, countries taking democracy seriously value the human rights and dignity of individuals with the exception of extremists.
Editorial Desk | Myanmar Eleven | Publication Date : 16-03-2015
Many cases in which basic human rights and dignity were lost due to oppression, violence and lawlessness have occurred around the world. However, countries taking democracy seriously value the human rights and dignity of individuals with the exception of extremists.
Respecting human rights and dignity is indeed a democratic norm. So, if we favour a democratic system, we must value those basic human rights and dignity. Otherwise, we will be condemned as lacking respect for our country and people.
For a country facing a plethora of problems and challenges, Myanmar’s respect for human rights and dignity is questionable.
One clear example was the brutal police crackdown on March 10 on students, monks and members of the public in a protest against the National Education Law in Letpadan of Bago Region. It was a disgrace for Myanmar with respect to human rights.
The inflammatory images showing police beating and arresting students and monks, shattering car windows and destroying vehicles bring into question the government’s stance towards basic human rights and existing laws. The public has no extensive knowledge of what really happened to those who were detained due to a lack of transparency.
When the detainees were about to leave the court for Thayawady Prison, they cried repeatedly to their families and local onlookers that “our human rights have been violated”.
Who will stand by those who have lost their basic human rights? There have been many unfair cases in Myanmar, such as the killings of freelance reporter Par Gyi and Letpadaung copper-mine protester Khin Win and the rape and murder of two Kachin teachers. Innocent people might also have lost their lives in other cases never revealed publicly.
The Myanmar National Human Rights Commission established by President Thein Sein’s government tasked itself to promote and safeguard the fundamental rights of citizens; ensure the emergence of a society respecting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights issued by the United Nations; promote the human rights enshrined in international conventions and regional agreements; and promote coordination and cooperation with international and regional organisations working on the promotion of human rights.
It may have to answer who will take responsibility for this violation.
