Human Rights Commission Investigates Rights Abuses in Prisons and Jails, But No Action Taken in Practice

Ayeyarwaddy Times July 16 The Myanmar National Human Rights Commission (MNHRC), under the interim government, has announced that it is reviewing complaints from various locations, including human rights abuses in prisons, jails, and detention centers, during the six-month period from January to June. Although the MNHCR claims to receive complaints and conduct inspections of prisons, political prisoners are reportedly suffering beatings and oppression from prison staff, and the MNHCR is unable to provide effective solutions. "As far as I know, there is no official record of any prison officials or staff being punished as a result of the MNHRC's investigations. Since 2021, the MNHRC's authority appears to be restricted due to the political situation. We have seen that it is very difficult for them to effectively address the issues of political prisoners," an official from the Network of All Political Prisoners in Myanmar (PPNM) told the Ayeyarwaddy Times. According to the Human Rights Commission's statement, they received 295 complaints, of which 64 were sent to relevant departments for investigation. They also stated that they visited and inspected 11 prisons, as well as prison camps, police lock-ups, court lock-ups, and youth training schools. The commission stated that during the investigations, recommendations were sent to the relevant departments for prisons, prison camps, youth training schools, police stations, and court lock-ups. It was also reported that 98 inmates and detainees were met with individually, and their statements were recorded. "In reality, there are many difficulties. Prison authorities control communication from within the prison. They also control correspondence and visits. Therefore, it is uncertain whether the actual difficulties are reaching the outside. Some inmates complain, but many are afraid to complain for fear of retaliation or repercussions after reporting," the PPNM official continued. On July 2, it was reported that in Mandalay's Obo Prison, 15 political prisoners who protested the forced confiscation of their bedding were beaten by prison authorities, and three of them were sentenced to solitary confinement. Photo – Social Media