Myanmar

Start date: 2013
Areas of expertise: Public International Law, Constitutional Law, Human Rights, Fundamental Principles of Governance, Independence of the Judiciary
Highlights: 2 projects, fair trial training, 2 Training of Trainers

Overview

The foundations of the legal system in Myanmar partly date back to the era of British colonial administration, such as the Criminal Law (from 1860) or the Code of Criminal Procedure (from 1898). In addition, Buddhist norms as well as – for some minorities – Islamic rules concerning personal legal status were in use. The Military Government added a socialist type of institutional system. Essential elements of the rule of law, such as the separation of powers and other constitutional standards, were widely absent.

Nevertheless, following the reform process that commenced in 2011, there is noticeable desire and political will to redirect the nation towards democratic and constitutional governance. These reform initiatives are actively supported and promoted by the Union Attorney General’s Office (UAGO), which is headed by Tun Shin, an internationally experienced legal expert.

The Office is of critical importance in enhancing the judicial and legal system as it is responsible not only for prosecuting crimes and for overseeing national civil and administrative law suits but also for representing the nation in international judicial processes.

Current projects in Myanmar

  • There are no current projects

Completed projects in Myanmar