Burma’s controversial Religious Conversion bill was released by state media for public review on Tuesday. The bill’s drafting committee will field recommendations until 20 June before seeking parliamentary approval.

As the media industry enjoys newfound freedom following the lifting of censorship, Burmese celebrities have more opportunities to engage with topical issues and voice their opinions to their fans. DVB Debate discusses the growing influence of Burmese celebrities.

Most companies operating in Burma and Southeast Asia fail to meet international standards for transparency, according to a survey by the Business and Human Rights Resource Centre (BHRRC).

A child psychologist from South Korea, Yanghee Lee, has been appointed to take over from Tomas Ojea Quintana as United Nations Special Rapporteur to Burma as from 1 June, DVB has learned.

Burma’s reporters took to the streets of two cities on Friday to rally support for greater press freedom. About 100 demonstrators amassed in Prome, Pegu Division, while dozens gathered in Mon State capital Moulmein.

Fellow DVB staff in Rangoon, wearing matching black t-shirts, and carrying placards calling for the release of journalists and greater press freedom, gathered at the east gate of Shwedagon Pagoda in a prayer session.