Accordingly, Amnesty International considers that it is essential that the new government ensures that former prisoners of conscience and other political prisoners have access to restitution and to compensation and rehabilitation programmes, and that their right to a remedy is respected. 5.4 OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS The following are Amnesty International’s detailed recommendations to the Myanmar authorities and international donors which include changes in law, policy and practice to end the cycle of politically motivated arrests and imprisonment. RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE MYANMAR AUTHORITIES  Immediately and unconditionally release all those detained simply for the peaceful exercise of their human rights, and drop charges pending against those who are facing imprisonment simply for the peaceful exercise of these rights. Expunge the criminal records of all those convicted simply for the peaceful exercise of their rights.  Review the cases of all those outside the above category, who have been subjected to politically motivated prosecutions and unfair trials, and determine whether the individual should be released or given a prompt and fair retrial which complies with international fair trial standards.  Repeal or review and amend all laws that violate the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association, including but not limited to provisions of the Penal Code, the Peaceful Assembly and Peaceful Procession Act, the 1908 Unlawful Associations Act, the 2013 Telecommunications Act, and the 1923 Official Secrets Act, to ensure these and other laws comply with international human rights standards. Ensure that, pending the amendment of these laws in line with international standards, no one is arrested or detained under these provisions.  Ensure that human rights defenders and peaceful activists are free from harassment, discrimination, and the threat of criminalization through the application of repressive laws; and that they are able to conduct their important and legitimate work in a safe environment.  Take immediate steps to provide rehabilitation and relevant medical, psychological, and mental health services and treatment as well as economic and educational support to former prisoners of conscience and other political prisoners and their families. Ensure that such programmes are designed in full consultation with former prisoners of conscience and political prisoners, their representatives and family members.  Initiate prompt, independent, and impartial investigations into all allegations of torture or other illtreatment which are made by current or former detainees or prisoners. Ensure that all detainees and prisoners, including those sentenced to death, are treated in accordance with the Nelson Mandela Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners.  Take all the necessary legislative, administrative and other measures, including extensive human rights training for judges, prosecutors and other officials, to ensure that all future trials accord fully with international standards of fairness.  Become a party without reservation to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the UN Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, and their optional protocol, at the earliest opportunity. NEW EXPRESSION MEETS OLD REPRESSION ENDING THE CYCLE OF POLITICAL ARRESTS AND IMPRISONMENT IN MYANMAR Amnesty International 50