Myanmar National Human Rights Commission (Statement No 2/2024)

Myanmar National Human Rights

Commission

Statement No 2/2024

1. On the occasion of the Myanmar New Year, the 9th Waxing of Tagu 1386 ME (17 April 2024), the Chairman of the State Administration Council aiming to bring about peace of mind to the public and social consideration and seeking to foster the affection and goodwill of the State, issued State Administration Council Order No 29/2024, which granted remission of one-sixth of the remaining sentences to be served under Section 401 (1) of the Code of Criminal Procedure except specified offences for prisoners incarcerated in respective prisons, jails, and camps under existing laws. According to Order No 30/2024, a total of 3,303 prisoners serving sentences in respective prisons, jails, and camps were conditionally pardoned under Article 401 (1) of the Code of Criminal Procedure.

2. Additionally, in consideration of the friendly bilateral relations and humanitarian grounds, eight foreign prisoners were remitted by State Administration Council Order No 31/2024, and 13 Indonesians and 15 Sri Lankans were remitted by Order No 32/2024, respectively. They will be deported under Section 401 (1) of the Code of Criminal Procedure.

3. This action reflects the positive initiative from the human rights perspective of the State Administration Council and on social consideration. They will have the opportunity to reunite with their families under this granted remission and pardon, which reinforces the State’s commitment to protecting the fundamental unit of society, which is the family. Moreover, we believe that they would be able to participate in any sector of State building.

4. The pardoning of foreign prisoners will foster mutual understanding and promote peaceful coexistence of the global family of nations.

5. The Myanmar National Human Rights Commission is delighted to share the joy with the relevant family members and welcomes recognition of human rights and humanitarian endeavours.

Myanmar National Human Rights Commission

Date: 17 April 2024

#TheGlobalNewLightOfMyanmar