Steps towards ICCPR ratification and implementation by Myanmar (Part 2)
Workshop on NMRF and reporting to CESCR held with State actors on 19 and 20 August 2019 in Nay Pyi Taw
In the framework of its multi-year project to assist efforts of national stakeholders in Myanmar in joining and implementing ICCPR, CCPR-Centre, in cooperatoin with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Myanmar, organised a 1.5-day workshop on 19 and 20 August 2019 with State actors on National Mechanism for Reporting and Follow-up (NMRF) and reporting to the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (CESCR) in Nay Pyi Taw.
Considering longer-term and more conprehensive protection of human rights in the country, especially through implementation of international human rights laws including ICCPR and effective engagement with relevant interanational mechanisms, the workshop aimed to expand the capacity of national actors in establishing their own NMRF, whereby using the initial reporting of Myanmar to CESCR as a practical example.
Ms. Virginia Bras Gomes, former chair of CESCR and an expert on NMRF in Portugal, and Ms. Nareeluc Pairchaiyapoom, Director of International Human Rights Division, Department of Rights and Liberties Protection, Ministry of Justice Thailand, have participated in the workshop as main resource persons and shared their expertise, experience and practices on the subject. The workshop was supported by the embassies of Switzerland and UK in Myanmar as well as the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy.
The workshop stressed on the importance of effective and efficient coordination among relevant national agencies and stakeholders as well as the role and benefits of establishing a NMRF. It also presented key functions and elements of possible NMRF as well as its various forms and possibilities as practiced by different countries. Practical examples from Portugal and Thailand were also shared regarding establishment and operation of NMRF as well as preparation for the review by CESCR. The former CESCR chair gave advices on how to prepare the initial report to CESCR more effectively. Constructive discussions took place among participants in consideration of establishing their own NMRF in the course of its initial reporting to CESCR and beyond, whereby the initial report of Myanmar is expected by early 2020.