New York: The UN special investigator on human rights in Myanmar says he is encouraged at improvements as the country's reform program moves ahead rapidly but serious challenges remain including the continuing detention of political prisoners and ethnic violence in western Rakhine state.
Tomas Ojea Quintana said in a presentation and report to the UN General Assembly on Thursday that while President Thein Sein has granted six amnesties and released more than 730 prisoners of conscience, others remain behind bars throughout Myanmar including Myint Aye, the director of the Human Rights Defenders and Promoters Organisation.
While the government has eased restrictions on the media and protests, Quintana said he is concerned that new rules being considered or implemented may infringe the rights to freedom of assembly and expression.
PTI
First Published: Friday, October 26, 2012, 11:19