Statement No. 4/2026 : MNHRC welcomes amnesty orders

The Myanmar National Human Rights Commission issued Statement No. 4/2026 on April 18, welcoming recent presidential amnesty orders.

It stated that pursuant to the provisions of the Constitution of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar regarding the promotion and protection of the fundamental rights of citizens, the President Office issued Order No. 30/2026 on 10 April, re-constituting and assigning mandates to the Myanmar National Human Rights Commission under Sections 4 and 9 of the Commission Law. In line with the mandates and authorities granted under the Commission Law, the Commission remains committed to carrying out its functions and responsibilities.

On 17 April, on the auspicious occasion of the Myanmar Traditional New Year, and with a view to ensuring the peace of mind of the people and on humanitarian considerations, as well as to enable the prisoners to participate in the nation-building process and in consideration of friendly relations between nations, the President Office issued Order Nos. 39/40/41 and 42/2026.

By these orders, prisoners serving sentences in various prisons, jails, and camps were granted amnesty through the remission of their respective sentences.

A total of 4,335 prisoners were granted remission of their remaining sentences to be served subject to the condition that if they commit a further offense, they shall serve the remaining punishment in addition to the new sentence. Furthermore, 179 foreign prisoners were granted amnesty through the remission of their remaining sentences and were subsequently deported.

The announcement declared the granting of remission of the remaining sentences to be served under the prescribed conditions. The Commission shares in the joy of those who have been granted amnesty and their respective family members. The Commission welcomed the move, noting it as positive outcomes from the perspective of human rights and the principle of peaceful coexistence among nations.