At an event marking the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, civil society organisations noted that since the government of former president U Thein Sein there has been an agreement to sign the convention.

U Aung Moe Nyo, Magwe Region’s chief minister, had succeeded in convincing parliament to support the signing of the convention when he was still a legislator during the administration of U Thein Sein.

“It is directly related to the Home Affairs Ministry. I heard that since the ministry is not ready, the government has not signed it yet. I don’t know if the signing will ever happen, as the ministry does not agree or the government thinks there is no need. But that convention must be signed as soon as possible,” said U Aung Myo Kyaw, who is in charge of the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (Burma). 

A statement issued on Tuesday by the organisers of this year’s local event said that state organisations used torture not only in the past but also use it now, especially in conflict zones in ethnic regions. 

The organisers were the Women’s League of Burma, the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (Burma), Asia Justice and Rights, Vimutti Women’s Organisation and the Network for Human Rights Documentation Burma.

“To object to torture, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, the government must sign the UN convention,” the statement said. 

Daw Lway Poe Ngeal, general secretary of the Women’s League of Burma, said the laws against torture are still weak and do not give enough protection against torture and other inhumane treatment, thus the need to sign the convention.

“After signing the convention the UN will wait to see if the government will implement it,” she said. “After signing, the government needs to show the public the provisions included in the convention, then it has to conduct awareness training for civil servants like police and soldiers. It also has to help rehabilitate torture victims.

According to Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (Burma), there are 36 political prisoners and nearly 200 people facing trial for political crimes in the country. 

Since 2015, the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture has been held in Myanmar by civil society organisations. This year’s event was held in North Dagon township by the Women’s League of Burma, Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (Burma), Asia Justice and Rights, Vimutti Women’s Organisation and the Network for Human Rights Documentation Burma.