SEANF must deny the junta-controlled Myanmar Commission the 2027 chairship to protect regional credibility

Mizzima

The CSO Working Group on NHRI Burma Myanmar have expressed alarm that the junta-controlled Myanmar National Human Rights Commission (MNHRC) seeks the Chairship of the Southeast Asia National Human Rights Institutions Forum (SEANF) in 2027.

The following is their 7 August joint statement:

We, the undersigned 146 Myanmar, regional, and international civil society organizations, express deep alarm and concern regarding reports that the junta-controlled Myanmar National Human Rights Commission (MNHRC) has announced its intention to assume the Chairship of the Southeast Asia National Human Rights Institutions Forum (SEANF) in 2027, following discussions during the second Technical Working Group Meeting of SEANF held in Malaysia from 21 to 23 July 2026.

We urge SEANF members to take a principled stand and prevent the MNHRC from assuming any leadership position within SEANF and to urgently review its continued membership in the Forum. Allowing the MNHRC to chair SEANF would not only seriously undermine the credibility, legitimacy, and integrity of a regional human rights mechanism established to advance human rights protection in Southeast Asia, but would embolden the MNHRC to further provide the criminal military junta with a shield from international accountability.