The United Nations human rights envoy for Burma is calling on that
country's government to substantially improve human rights before the
2010 elections.
In a report Wednesday, envoy Tomas Ojea
Quintana said that if the elections take place in an atmosphere in
which human rights are fully respected, the vote will be seen as
credible.
He outlined a series of measures that Burma should
take, including amending laws that limit fundamental rights, such as
freedom of expression, opinion and peaceful assembly.
The U.N.
envoy said political prisoners should be released. He said such a move
would inspire political participation in the upcoming elections.
The
envoy also suggested a number of changes for Burma's judiciary,
including guaranteeing due process and setting up mechanisms to
investigate human rights abuses.
News
