Myanmar National Human Rights Commission Inspects Pathein Prison, Pathein Police Lock-ups and Sat Taw Yar Home for the Aged

Myanmar National Human Rights Commission Inspects Pathein Prison, Pathein Police Lock-ups and Sat Taw Yar Home for the Aged

   An Inspection team led by the members of the Myanmar National Human Rights Commission, U Tin Aung and U Than Win, conducted the inspection of Pathein Prison, Sat Taw Yar Home for the Aged and Pathein Police lock-ups in Pathein Township, Ayeyarwaddy region from 9 to 10 September 2025 respectively, in accordance with the Section 43 and 44 of the Commission’s Law.

   During the inspection, the inspection team met with prisoners and detainees in the dormitories and inquired into matters relating to their fundamental rights, including an adequate food supply, access to healthcare facilities and referral to external hospitals for treatment depending on illnesses, and provision of sufficient purified water. The team also inquired and interviewed about the receipt of items issued by the prison and those sent by family members, as well as whether the prisoners were allowed family visits. Additionally, the team look over and assessed the conditions for physical activities, the right to practice religion in accordance with their faith, provision of vocational trainings. In addition, the team inquired whether there were instances of human rights violations or torture by prison officials and fellow inmates. The inspection team also met with the (28) family members who came to visit prisoners and asking whether they faced any difficulties in meeting their relatives or in sending items to the prisoners. Moreover, the team conducted private and confidential interviews with 15 prisoners and detainees who requested to meet separately, and recorded their statements.

   Then the inspection team inspected various facilities within the Pathein Prison, including the dormitories, prison clinic, library, family visit area, kitchen, dining room, food warehouse, water purifiers, and the cleanliness of toilets. Additionally, the MNHRC donated knowledgeable books for the benefit of the prisoners.

   At the Sat Taw Yar Home for the Aged, the inspection team met the elderly in their dormitories and assessed whether they had access to their fundamental human rights guarantees, including freedom and fairness, and whether they were receiving care in accordance with international standards, based on compassion and respect for human dignity. The inspection team also examined the conditions of the provision of healthcare services, food and nutritional support, access to clean drinking and household water, freedom of religion and belief, and the overall hygiene and sanitation standards of dormitories, bathrooms, toilets, and kitchens. The team also inquired about arrangements for recreation and relaxation, the accessibility of pension payments for eligible residents, and the availability of social pension support for those aged 85 and above. The team inquired about the measures taken for the enjoyment of secular benefits and transcendental merits for the elderly as well as arrangement for ease in mind and body of the elderly. Moreover, the team extended warm words of encouragement to the (41) elderly individuals residing at the facility.

   At Pathein Myoma Police Lock-up and Pathein Local Police Lock-up, the MNHRC team inspected the conditions of detainees during the remand period, whether any torture occurred while in custody, and whether there were opportunities to meet with family members, as well as the arrangements for food provision during the court appearance period, the disposal of sewage and the overall cleanliness of the facilities, the conditions of meeting with family members and access to legal assistance during the court appearance period.

   The inspection team will send its findings and recommendations to the relevant department in accordance with Commission's law, for necessary action.

Myanmar National Human Rights Commission