The United States government transferred $30,000 in teleconferencing equipment during a handover ceremony at the Union Attorney General’s Office in Nay Pyi Taw today. Chargé d’Affaires George Sibley participated in the donation ceremony along with the Union Attorney General, his Excellency U Tun Tun Oo, handing over equipment that will allow prosecutors in Myanmar to continue education and training through the COVID-19 pandemic at seven locations across Myanmar, according to a statement.
“This donation will directly support distance learning for prosecutors, building on a growing partnership with Myanmar to strengthen the justice sector,” Chargé d’Affaires Sibley said. “A strong partnership must prove itself not only in the good times, but also in the challenging times,” he added. “Today we can see that although the way we live, learn, and work together is different, our commitment remains the same.”
The donated equipment has already been installed at distance training locations in Taunggyi, Loikaw, Magway, and Hpa-an. Additional equipment is scheduled to go to training sites in Dawei, Sittwe, and Hakha next month.
“The United States is pleased to be able to work with the UAGO to offer distance learning that has allowed its new prosecutor course to move forward safely,” Resident Legal Advisor Robert Strang said. “We hope that these tools will serve to strengthen the justice sector for years to come,” he added.
More than 200 law officers engaged in remote learning with U.S. Department of Justice experts last month. American experts from the U.S. Department of Justice supported the UAGO distance learning for new prosecutors through a series of video lectures and demonstrations on fundamental trial skills. These activities form part of the Transnational Crime Program supported by the State Department’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement.
In May, the United States and Myanmar extended the Transnational Crime Program for an additional two years. This collaboration complements other U.S. cooperation with the justice sector in Myanmar, including through the U.S. Agency for International Development.
