On 23 May 2012, Amnesty International concluded its first official visit to Myanmar since 2003.

What has improved since the new government came into power a little more than a year ago? What human rights violations have persisted or even worsened? And what new human rights challenges have the country’s recent reform efforts engendered or brought to the fore?

Alongside the government, the international donor community needs to continue increasing its response to the "humanitarian imperative" in Myanmar, so long as they are satisfied that distribution of humanitarian aid is transparent, for the purposes agreed upon, and based solely on need. International financial institutions, already reengaging, have a critical role to play as well in sustainable development that has human rights and the environment as non-negotiable concerns.

Yet, the Myanmar government should—and can—make additional moves of its own. It should further widen the humanitarian space for agencies to work in conflict zones. As the exchange rate flotation allows for transparency in the national accounts, and thus a more targeted and efficient distribution of national resources, the government should reallocate more to the social, educational, and public health sectors, which combined receive only about 5% of gross domestic product (GDP). And it should utilize the estimated $7 billion in foreign reserves it has accumulated over the years, mostly from the sale of natural resources, toward advancing the economic, social, and cultural rights of its people.

As Myanmar’s economy opens up to both domestic entrepreneurs and foreign investment, Amnesty International adds its voice to those concerned about the rights of farmers, fishers, and those who live and work in Myanmar’s fast-decreasing forests. While two-thirds of Myanmar’s people earn their livelihood in these areas, two new land laws, for example, reportedly afford very little protection of their rights. There is no access to the court system, and customary rights to land are no longer taken into account when determining land registration and title.

But insofar as prisoners of conscience can be readily identified and set free, and attacks against civilians can stop in response to clear orders, it takes less than a day to undertake some important human rights changes.

2012.05.25 Amnesty International (English and French version)