Briefing notes on Freedom of Expression in Myanmar

Twelve briefing notes on key Freedom of Expression issues in Myanmar have been produced by The Centre for Law and Democracy (CLD) and International Media Support (IMS) focusing on themes such as restrictions on freedom of expression, regulation of broadcasting, criminal content restrictions and digital rights. The briefing notes aim to provide a comprehensive introduction to the subject.

Designed to be accessible to all audiences, including those with no experience or training in law, the notes provide a summary of key standards which will also be useful to more advanced readers. Each note also contains a section at the end on further resources, for readers who want to probe the subject more deeply. CLD and IMS have also produced a compilation report containing all twelve notes along with an introduction and glossary.

“The Notes will be useful to anyone who is interested in understanding the right to freedom of expression,” said Toby Mendel, Executive Director of CLD. “They provide a quick reference to the main international standards governing this right.”

The Notes were developed as part of CLD and IMS’ collaboration to support Myanmar’s democratic transition, with funding from the governments of Sweden, Denmark and Norway. They have been printed in English and in Burmese, and are being distributed in hard copy to government officials, journalists, civil society activists and other stakeholders around the country. They will also be printed in their full length in a serialised version in the national daily newspaper, New Light of Myanmar, starting on 1 February 2015.

“There is a strong demand in Myanmar for easy access to information on international standards related to freedom of expression, and in this compilation developed by experts from CLD you will find it all. It is accessible free of charge to those who hold an interest in these topics,” said Esben Harboe, Programme Manager for IMS’ work in Myanmar.

Electronic versions of the Briefing Notes in English and in Burmese are available here.