
Myanmar National Human Rights Commission in cooperation with Raoul Wallenberg Institute of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law (RWI) and financed by Swedish International Development Agency (Sida) held a two day training Workshop on Human Rights and the Role of the Media at the Chatrium Hotel Yangon, Myanmar from the 21st to the 22nd of October 2013.
The training workshop was participated by the Chairperson of MNHRC U Win Mra and (9) Commissioners, also representatives from the Ministry of Information and staff members of MNHRC. Welcoming remarks were made by the Chairperson, followed by an opening speech by Prof: Brian Burdekin. A.O.
The first day’s morning session started with a presentation by Prof: Brian Burdekin on International Human Rights Law, with emphasis on Freedom of Information and Freedom of Expression. He explained in length Articles (19) of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Article (19) of the International covenant on Civil and Political Rights and a lot of insight was gained on the Right to Freedom of Expression with its special duties and responsibilities.
Ms. Margie Cook, then presented a lecture on NHRIs and the Role of the Media.
After lunch, Ms. Chris Larkin and Ms. Backy Palmstrom from BBC Media Action gave a power point presentation on the local Media Structure and challenges. It was very informative and the survey study made by BBC Media Action gave the participants a very frank overview of the local Media Structure’s Landscape. A long hard day’s work was capped by a welcome reception in the lobby terrace of the Hotel.
The second day session started with a presentation by Prof: Burdekin and Ms. Margie Cook on N.H.R.Is and Relevant Strategies, including National Enquires. This was followed by a session, titled, “Moving beyond Traditional Media”. The two young resource persons from BBC Media Action again impressed the participants with their lively presentation.
The afternoon was devoted solely to Q and A session with Prof: Brian and Ms. Margie Cook interacting actively with the participants. There was free flow of discussions on both days which gave rise to a lot of thoughts on the Role of the Media in the democratization process of Myanmar.