The European Rohingya Council (ERC)

U
Saenredamstraat 53-3,1072CC Amsterdam. The Netherlands Registered Number: KVK- 56454791

Ref: DE/0050304

Date: 30.08.2015

ERC condemns new controversial bills signed by Myanmar President

The European Rohingya Council (ERC) is deeply troubled by, and unequivocally condemns the new
controversial laws, Restricting Religious Conversion and Interfaith Marriage Bill signed by the Myanmar
President Thein Sein last week.
The Religious Conversion law requires anyone who wishes to convert their religion must apply to the local
authorities followed by an interview with a waiting period of three months. This is completely contrary to the
democratic principles and to the universal human rights. Under the constitution of Myanmar, everyone is free
to choose his or her religion accordingly. The current law signed by President Thein Sein is totally against the
constitution.
In May, the president enacted the Population Control Bill that requires mothers in some regions of the country
to make a space between the births of their children at least three years apart. This law further legalizes the
oppression against ethnic minorities right especially the rights of Rohingya minority. In the near future, the
President is likely to enact another new controversial law Polygamy Bill that has been sent to the Parliament
to get approved.
The four controversial religion bills were proposed by the Buddhist Nationalist Group 969 in June 2013 with a
carefully designed anti-Muslims and anti-ethnic minority sentiments, and have been enacted by the President
Thein despites objections of United States and human rights activists around the world since it also goes against
Myanmars own constitution, which guarantees freedom of religion.
The new laws received condemnations from international human rights activists including National League for
Democracy who view the bills as destructive to womens rights, as well as a sign of growing islamophobia in
the country.
David Mathieson of watchdog Human Rights Watch said the new legislation champions an ultra-nationalist
agenda that could fuel religious instability, and this could be used in the lead up and after the election to crack
down on religious minorities.
We, therefore, call upon the Myanmar Government to revise and withdraw all the bills, which are contrary to
the democratic principles, and discriminatory towards the women and religious minorities. We also call upon
international community to take necessary measures to ensure Myanmar government respects the democratic
values:

The right to freely choose a spouse, and to enter into marriage with their free will.

The rights to freely and responsibly decide on the numbers and spacing of their children.

To practice their religions freely.

Chairman. Fossveien 7.3400 Lier. Norway. +47 92428989|chairman@theerc.net | General Secretary

|Bleichstrasse 39.63065 Offenbach Germany |+49 152 0944 4880|gs@theerc.net
Bank| The European Rohingya Council| IBAN: NL85ABNA0469012072|BIC (SWIFT) Code: ABNANL2A

info@theerc.net | www.theerc.net

The European Rohingya Council (ERC)

U
Saenredamstraat 53-3,1072CC Amsterdam. The Netherlands Registered Number: KVK- 56454791

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Chairman. Fossveien 7.3400 Lier. Norway. +47 92428989|chairman@theerc.net | General Secretary
|Bleichstrasse 39.63065 Offenbach Germany |+49 152 0944 4880|gs@theerc.net
Bank| The European Rohingya Council| IBAN: NL85ABNA0469012072|BIC (SWIFT) Code: ABNANL2A

info@theerc.net | www.theerc.net

The European Rohingya Council (ERC)

U
Saenredamstraat 53-3,1072CC Amsterdam. The Netherlands Registered Number: KVK- 56454791

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David Mathieson
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For more information please contact;

The European Rohingya Council (ERC)
Khairul Amin
U Hla Tin

+ 4792428989
+4571695027

Chairman. Fossveien 7.3400 Lier. Norway. +47 92428989|chairman@theerc.net | General Secretary

|Bleichstrasse 39.63065 Offenbach Germany |+49 152 0944 4880|gs@theerc.net
Bank| The European Rohingya Council| IBAN: NL85ABNA0469012072|BIC (SWIFT) Code: ABNANL2A

info@theerc.net | www.theerc.net