Myanmar allows UN rights envoy access to detained protestors

Bangkok, Nov 14 (UNI) The special UN representative evaluating the human rights situation in Myanmar has been allowed to meet jailed anti-government protesters in the country.

Mr Paulo Sergio Pinheiro United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar was given the assurance during a meeting with Myanmar's Minister for Home Affairs Maj-Gen Muang Oo in the capital Nay Pyi Taw, according to a UN statement from Yangon.

Mr Pinheiro, who arrived in Myanmar on November 11 on a five-day mission, has today continued his meetings in Nay Pyi Taw with government officials and others.

Yesterday, the UN Special Rapporteur held talks with the newly set up 20-member human rights body within the government.

He also held meetings with representatives of international non-governmental organisations, Religious Affairs Minister Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung and Minister of National Planning and Economic Development U Soe Tha.

Earlier, in Yangon, Mr Pinheiro met with senior members of the official Buddhist clergy, the state-appointed Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee and visited two monasteries involved in the anti-government rallies in Yangon in September 2007 The Special Rapporteur had also visited Insein Jail and requested permission to interview detainees before the end of his mission.

UNI