The Myanmar National Human Rights Commission consistently carries out activities to effectively implement the promotion and protection of human rights in accordance with the provisions of Section 22 of the Commission Law. In collaboration with the Myanmar Interfaith Dialogue Organization (Central), the Commission jointly held the opening ceremony of an awareness seminar on Business and Human Rights on 27 July 2026 at the Myawaddy Media Centre in Yangon. Approximately 520 attendees participated in the seminar, including the chairman and members of the Myanmar National Human Rights Commission; the deputy director-general and directors of the Commission Office; staff and officials of the Commission Office; the chairman and representatives of the INGO Peace organization from Japan; the chairman and executive committee members of the Myanmar Interfaith Dialogue Group (Central); officials from the Republic of the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry; Myanmar-Japan businesspeople, officials from relevant ministries, and invitees.

Myanmar National Human Rights Commission Chairman U Thit Linn Ohn first delivered the opening address. In his speech, he stated that today’s awareness seminar is a collaborative effort between the Commission and the Myanmar Interfaith Dialogue Group (Central). He elaborated on the objectives of the seminar, which include: promoting cooperation between the government and businesses to prevent human rights violations caused by business activities; fostering sustainable economic development; and enhancing awareness and compliance with laws related to business operations and international human rights standards. He emphasized that while economic development is crucial for a nation, it requires the collaboration of both domestic and international businesspersons. In doing so, he stressed the importance of respecting legal procedures and proactively understanding and preventing potential human rights impacts from business activities. He pointed out that economic development, human rights protection and promotion, and environmental conservation are interconnected and inseparable vital components. He urged all stakeholders, including the government, businesses, civil society organizations, and international partners, to collaborate with mutual trust to achieve sustainable development. He also mentioned that in 2011, the United Nations adopted the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs), and many countries now recognize Business and Human Rights as an important fundamental principle. Following this, Mr Hiroyuki Nakazawa, Chairman of the ingo Peace organization from Japan, gave an introductory speech. Subsequently, U Wunna, Chairman of the Myanmar Interfaith Dialogue Group (Central), also delivered an address.

During the awareness seminar on Business and Human Rights, the following presentations and discussions were held: Dr Nu Nu Yi, Member of the Myanmar National Human Rights Commission, spoke about the fundamental concepts of human rights; Dr Tin Htay Ei, Member of the Myanmar National Human Rights Commission, discussed about the Myanmar National Human Rights Commission and the relationship between human rights and the environment; and Dr Khine Khine Win, Deputy Director-General of the Commission Office, spoke about Business and Human Rights. — MNHRC

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