Myanmar rights commission disqualified from South-east Asian rights forum, loses 2027 chairmanship
Myanmar’s National Human Rights Commission (MNHRC) has been disqualified from the South-east Asia National Human Rights Institutions Forum (SEANF), a decision that also removes its opportunity to assume the forum’s rotating chairmanship in 2027.
In a statement issued on October 19, SEANF said its Governing Board had determined that the MNHRC no longer met the forum’s definition of a national human rights institution. The decision followed a formal review of the commission’s eligibility that began on August 14 and was approved by the board on October 1, with immediate effect.
The resolution was reached by consensus among the chairpersons of five member institutions: Indonesia’s National Commission of Human Rights (Komnas HAM), Malaysia’s Human Rights Commission (Suhakam), the Commission on Human Rights of the Philippines (CHRP), Thailand’s National Human Rights Commission (NHRCT), and Timor-Leste’s Ombudsman for Human Rights and Justice (PDHJ).
Following the decision, the Myanmar commission will no longer be eligible to participate in SEANF’s 23rd Annual Conference or any other meetings organised by the regional forum.
According to SEANF, the MNHRC was formally notified of the concerns in writing on September 1 and given an opportunity to respond. The commission was also invited to attend the Governing Board meeting on October 1, where its eligibility was considered.
The MNHRC responded through a letter dated September 24 and a press statement released on September 26. In both responses, it rejected the review and distanced itself from the process. However, SEANF said the explanations provided did not adequately address the issues outlined in the original notice.
At the centre of the decision is SEANF’s definition of a national human rights institution under Article 1 of its amended Rules of Procedure. The rules specify that such an institution must be independent, operate under a constitutional or legislative mandate to promote and protect human rights, and comply with the internationally recognised Paris Principles.
These principles establish standards for the independence, mandate, composition and functioning of national human rights institutions. They are intended to help ensure that such bodies can investigate human rights concerns, provide independent advice and hold authorities accountable without undue interference.
SEANF has not permanently closed the door on Myanmar’s return. Under Article 6(3) of its rules, the MNHRC may reapply for membership if it can demonstrate clear and measurable efforts towards compliance with the Paris Principles.
The forum also defended the process behind its decision, describing it as fair, transparent and based on evidence. It said the review followed established procedures and drew guidance from the procedural best practices of the Asia Pacific Forum of National Human Rights Institutions (APF).
SEANF added that its members, which hold “A” status accreditation, have a shared responsibility to protect the forum’s credibility, integrity and accountability while advancing human rights across South-east Asia in accordance with international standards.
The disqualification carries significance beyond the loss of a leadership position. It raises broader questions about institutional independence, accountability and the standards expected of bodies entrusted with protecting fundamental rights.
For people across the region, the effectiveness of a national human rights commission matters because its work can influence how complaints are addressed, how vulnerable communities are protected and how governments are held accountable. Ultimately, the credibility of these institutions depends not only on their formal mandates but also on their ability to operate independently and demonstrate a genuine commitment to protecting human dignity.