The Myanmar National Human Rights Commission was established by the Government of the Union of the Republic of Myanmar in 2011.

The Commission's mandate includes the following functions:

~ to promote public awareness and undertake educative programs about human rights

~ to receive, investigate and report on violations of constitutionally protected rights

~ to examine and report on whether rights contained in international instruments to which Myanmar is a party are realised

~ to promote ratification/accession of international human rights instruments to which Myanmar is not yet a party, and to engage with regional and international organisations involved in the promotion and protection of human rights.

In undertaking its functions, the Commission may undertake inquiries and investigations, and has the power to visit sites where alleged human rights violations occurred, summon and question individuals, and require the provision of documents.