The Myanmar National Human Rights Commission, led by the Member of Commission U Kyaw Myint Inspected Prison, Detention Centre and and Police Lock-up

The Myanmar National Human Rights Commission, led by the Member of Commission U Kyaw Myint Inspected Prison, Detention Centre and and Police Lock-up

   An inspection team led by the Member of the Myanmar National Human Rights Commission, U Kyaw Myint, conducted the inspection of Yamethin Prison and Yamethin Police Lock-up in Yamethin Township, Mandalay Region, and Kingthar (1), and Kingthar (2) Labour Camps in Tatkon Township, Naypyidaw Region from 17 to 18 September 2025, respectively, in accordance with Sections 43 and 44 of the Commission’s Law.

   During the inspection at Yamethin Prison on 17 September 2025, the inspection team met with the prisoners and detainees in the dormitories and inquired into matters relating to their fundamental rights, including an adequate food supply, access to healthcare arrangements for referral to external hospitals for treatment depending on illness, 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 evaluated the conditions for physical activities, the right to practice religion in accordance with their faith, and the 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 family members who came to visit prisoners and asked 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 (3) prisoners and detainees who requested to meet separately and recorded their statements.

   During the inspection at Kingthar (1), and Kingthar (2) Labour Camps under the Department of Prisons on 18 September 2025, the inspection team gathered and met with prisoners in the dormitories and assessed whether the prisoners had access to their fundamental rights, including an adequate food supply, access to healthcare, and provision of sufficient purified water, whether the prisoners were allowed family visits, and the right to freedom of religion. The team also inquired about the receipt of the items issued by the prisoners and items sent by their family. Additionally, the team evaluated the conditions for physical activities, workplace safety measures, and whether or not prisoners were required to work overtime, any instances of discrimination in the workplace and investigated any instances of human rights violations or torture in the workplace, and conducted private and confidential interviews with (7) prisoners who requested to meet separately and recorded their statements. Then the inspection team inspected various facilities within the Yamethin Prison, including the dormitories, prison clinic, library, family visit area, kitchen, dining room, food warehouse, water purifiers, and the cleanliness of toilets, as well as the inspection that had followed up and checked according to the previous recommendations.

   Additionally, the MNHRC donated knowledgeable books for the benefits of the prisoners at Yamethin Prison, Kingthar (1), and Kingthar (2) labour camps.

   At Yamethin 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 the Commission's law for necessary action.

Myanmar National Human Rights Commission