Recs Recommendations These Recommendations build on the measures expected of governments and businesses under the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. Governments have a duty to protect human rights and all businesses – Myanmar and foreign – in the ICT value chain have a responsibility to respect human rights. Key excerpts from the UN Guiding Principles are highlighted in boxes at relevant points below. Further global human rights guidance for the ICT sector is available from European Commission, “ICT Sector Guide on Implementing the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights” (2013). Recommendations To the Government of Myanmar 1. Establish a coherent policy framework for the ICT sector with adequate safeguards. UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights: The State Duty to Protect 1. States must protect against human rights abuse within their territory and/or jurisdiction by third parties, including business enterprises. This requires taking appropriate steps to prevent, investigate, punish and redress such abuse through effective policies, legislation, regulations and adjudication. 2. States should set out clearly the expectation that all business enterprises domiciled in their territory and/or jurisdiction respect human rights throughout their operations. The Government has embraced the importance of providing citizens with open access to technology and has also committed to a “people-centred” approach to development. A balanced approach that stimulates the spread and uptake of ICTs services while protecting the rights and interests of the population will be required to realise the positive potential of the ICT sector for Myanmar society. (See Chapter 2 on ICT Government Institutions, Policies & Legal Frameworks for further information). Key Points for Implementation  Include adequate human rights, environmental and social safeguards for private sector operations in the forthcoming Master Plans for the ICT Sector. These include the ICT Master Plan, the E-Governance Master Plan, and the Telecommunications Master Plan. Suggested safeguards are highlighted at the end of each SWIA Chapter. In addition, each Masterplan should be underpinned by a commitment to advancing government transparency, accountability and public participation. As part of that commitment, the government should engage in open, 14 PAGE RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE GOVERNMENT OF MYANMAR