Human Rights Myanmar says Sagaing draft constitution missing key rights

On 24 February, Human Rights Myanmar issued a report on the draft Sagaing Federal Unit Interim Constitution. While recognising the draft as a significant step forward from the Myanmar’s 2008 Constitution, the rights group notes the draft is missing several key rights.

Calling the document “precedent-setting” the report says that it could shape governance in Myanmar for years, laying a foundation for a future national constitution to replace the deeply flawed 2008 draft. The group also notes the precedent set by the consultation request put forward by the Sagaing Federal Unit Hluttaw, or parliament.

In contrast to the 2008 Constitution, the Sagaing draft strengthens fundamental rights without the vague national security restrictions added by the previous military in the earlier document. Of note are explicit protections for women and other marginalised groups as well as prohibitions on various forms of discrimination.