19/06/2020
The MYPOL project creates guidelines for interviewing victims and witnesses and crime scene forensic guidance to modernise the Myanmar police
The MYPOL project creates guidelines for interviewing victims and witnesses and crime scene forensic guidance to modernise the Myanmar police
The project to support the reform of the Myanmar Police Force MYPOL has published two guides for police investigators, one on international standards for interviewing victims and witnesses of crimes and one containing guidelines for crime scene investigations. These documents will focus on the police response to crimes including domestic violence during the COVID-19 pandemic whose main victims are women and girls.
The project strategy is designed to streamline the MPF police response during the health crisis. Based on a thorough analysis of the problems arising during the pandemic, the project has prioritised the ability to provide clear information on how to work during this difficult time.
This European Union funded project is led by FIIAPP and is working with the Myanmar Police Force (MPF), civil society organisations (CSOs), the media and the Myanmar Parliament, to help the MPF to evolve into a modern police service trusted by all the different communities in the country. The pandemic has presented unique challenges, but MYPOL has found ways to help ensure that its partners can continue to operate effectively as they work to halt the spread of the virus.
Other initiatives include distribution of operational surveillance guidance manuals and guidelines for ensuring safe arrests, minimising the danger in conditions where it is impossible to maintain a safe physical distance.
It has continued to work remotely with CSOs and the Myanmar Parliament. A round table discussion on police issues was held with several local CSOs and two workshops have been organised for members of Parliament, one on parliamentary oversight of the government’s response to COVID-19 and a second on Parliament’s role during the pandemic.
These activities and the hard work of MYPOL staff show the project’s commitment to its partners, even in these hard times. MYPOL will continue to work with its stakeholders to help them meet the challenges of the current crisis and ensure that everyone stays healthy and safe.
