In 2004, the ASEAN Commission on the Promotion and the Protection of the Rights of
Women and Children was instigated. This Commission, while welcome, is significantly
restricted by its terms of reference which limit women’s rights to those covered by laws
already ratified by states, and only on “consideration [of] the different historical, political,
socio-cultural, religious and economic context in the region”.113 The ASEAN Commission is
also expected to respect the principles of sovereignty, non-confrontation and an
“evolutionary approach” (presumably meant to dissuade a “revolutionary approach”.
According to the Commission’s work plan for 2012 to 2016, Myanmar is responsible only
for reviewing legislation on violence against children across the region.114 As yet, the
Commission has not concluded any of its workplan.115
In 2014, the Myanmar government submitted its most recent report to CEDAW in which it
claimed the following minimal changes:116
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An Anti-Violence against Women Law is being drafted.
A National Human Rights Commission has been established, with a Women and Child
sub-committee.
CEDAW principles are being included into civil service training, including for judges.
Myanmar now has two women ministers (for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement,
and for Education), four women in the upper house of Parliament, Amyotha Hluttaw,
26 women in the lower house, Pyithu Hluttaw, 25 women in the Region and State
parliaments, and 16 women out of the 52 High Court judges.
CEDAW’s recommendations on women’s citizenship had been rejected by parliament.
Pupils are now receiving education on reproductive health, though not, the
government admits, in a gender-sensitive manner.
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ARTICLE 19 - Censored gender: Women’s right to freedom of expression and information in Myanmar - Page 31