UN Special Rapporteur Yanghee Lee visits correctional facilities in Mon State

The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Burma, Ms. Yanghee Lee, visited a production camp of the Correctional Department in Zinkyeik, Paung Township, Mon State, on Wednesday.

January 11’s visit was Ms Lee’s first-ever tour of Mon State. During her visit, Ms Lee and her team met with officials from the Correctional Department, discussing the conditions of the department and prisoners. She also observed the inmates sleeping quarters.

“She asked whether torture had been committed against the prisoners at the [quarry] production camp. She also questioned how the prison camp manage the staff and prisoners and how the prisoners are provided health assistance”, said an official of the prison.

The official added that Ms. Lee’s query as to the charges that would occur if prisoners were tortured was answered with a statement that the prisoners were not discriminated against when they labored, and if they’re tortured, the case could be reported and the respective charge could be administered if the case was apparent.

Along with Ms. Lee, Daw Linn Mar Lar Kyaw, Deputy Director of Foreign Affairs Department, U Aye Win, [UN] National Information Officer, U Han Soe Taung of UN Local Security Assistance, and U Ye Min Myat of General Administration Ministry Headquarters – International Department, visited the camp.

Ms. Lee was also lectured by an official from the prison camp that the prisoners at Production Camp of Correctional Department are prisoners who are facing prison sentences with penal labor.

With her delegation, Ms. Lee also visited the Wutgyi quarry and observed the business operation there, according to Global New Light of Myanmar.