Ethnic Rights and Constitutional Change: The Constitutional Recognition of Ethnic Nationalities in Myanmar/Burma

Abstract

In this chapter I explore the constitutional arrangement of central-local relations and its implications for the transitional regime in Myanmar. I focus on how and why the current Constitution recognises the rights of ethnic minorities compared to past constitutions. That is, I am concerned with why a military regime would grant forms of special recognition to ethnic nationalities in a Constitution drafted under its control.

Keywords: Myanmar, ethnic rights, constitutional law