We, the undersigned trade unions, civil society organizations, and human rights organizations, express our solidarity with the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) following the public statement issued by the Myanmar National Human Rights Commission (MNHRC) on 22 December 2025.<\/p>\n
This responds to MNHRC\u2019s criticism of SUHAKAM\u2019s media statement concerning the planned elections in Myanmar.<\/p>\n
We reject MNHRC\u2019s characterisation of SUHAKAM\u2019s statement as baseless or inappropriate. As a National Human Rights Institution, SUHAKAM has a clear mandate under the Paris Principles to speak out on serious and continuing human rights concerns, including those with regional implications. Public engagement on such matters falls squarely within this mandate and does not constitute interference in the internal affairs of any state.<\/p>\n
Contrary to MNHRC\u2019s claims, SUHAKAM\u2019s concerns are grounded in documented evidence of widespread killings, arbitrary detention, mass displacement, and the systematic repression of political opposition and civil society since the February 2021 coup. These facts have been recorded by multiple independent monitoring bodies and international mechanisms and form the basis of SUHAKAM\u2019s assessment that conditions in Myanmar are not conducive to a genuine democratic process.<\/p>\n
MNHRC\u2019s objection to the use of the term \u201cmilitary junta\u201d is misleading. This terminology is widely and consistently used by the United Nations, the International Labour Organization, and other international bodies to describe the authorities that assumed power following the February 2021 military coup. In particular, the ILO Commission of Inquiry refers to Myanmar\u2019s current authorities as a military junta in its official findings. The use of this term therefore reflects established international usage and factual assessment, not political bias or inflammatory intent.<\/p>\n
Invoking sovereignty and non-interference does not exempt any state or state-linked institution from scrutiny when grave human rights violations persist. The ASEAN Charter recognizes the promotion and protection of human rights as a shared commitment of member states. Raising concerns about the credibility of elections held under conditions of violence, repression, and exclusion is consistent with, not contrary to, ASEAN principles.<\/p>\n
We further note that SUHAKAM\u2019s position on declining engagement with the planned elections is grounded in human rights considerations. Refusing to endorse or participate in an electoral process conducted amid armed conflict, widespread arrests, the banning of political parties and trade unions, and the absence of fundamental freedoms cannot be construed as prejudgment. It reflects adherence to international standards on free and fair elections.<\/p>\n
We are alarmed by MNHRC\u2019s own assertion that \u201cthe first and second phases of the multi-party general election led by the State were conducted successfully, freely, and fairly,\u201d and that the final phase \u201cwill also proceed as scheduled.\u201d Such endorsement of an electoral process taking place amid armed conflict, mass arrests, suppression of political parties and trade unions, and the absence of basic freedoms goes far beyond institutional neutrality.<\/p>\n
By publicly defending the credibility of this process and attacking another National Human Rights Institution for raising concerns, MNHRC is not acting as an independent human rights body, but rather as a defender and attack dog of the military authorities\u2019 political narrative. This raises serious questions about its
\ncompliance with the Paris Principles and provides legitimate grounds for review of its standing within regional NHRI platforms, including SEANF, consistent with the accountability measures applied by GANHRI and the APF in similar circumstances.<\/p>\n
Rather than attacking other National Human Rights Institutions, MNHRC should address the extensive documentation of violations occurring within Myanmar, including killings, arbitrary detention, forced labour, and attacks on workers, trade unionists, and civil society actors. Failure to confront these realities threaten the credibility of any institution tasked with the protection of human rights.<\/p>\n
We support SUHAKAM\u2019s statement and its call for accountability and respect for international human rights and labour standards. National Human Rights Institutions exist to protect rights holders and to speak truthfully about violations, even when such truths are inconvenient to those in power.<\/p>\n
Human rights are universal and cannot be set aside through selective interpretations of sovereignty.<\/p>\n
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Global Union Federations:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n ASEAN Member States<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Indonesia:<\/strong><\/p>\n Philippines:<\/strong><\/p>\n Malaysia:<\/strong><\/p>\n Myanmar:<\/strong><\/p>\n Cambodia:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n
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