Unofficial translation MCRB
Law Protecting the Privacy and Security of Citizens
(Union Parliament Law 5/2017)
8th March, 2017
Preamble
The Pyidaungsu Hluttaw hereby enacts this law to protect the Privacy and Security of Citizens as
foreseen under the Constitution of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar,.
Chapter I
Title and Definitions
1. This Law shall be called the Law Protecting the Privacy and Security of the Citizen.
2. The expressions contained in this law shall have the following meanings:
a. Constitution means the Constitution of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar.
b. Citizen means the person who is a citizen either under the Constitution or any other
existing law.
c. Privacy means the right to freedom of movement, freedom of residence and freedom
of speech of a citizen in accordance with law.
d. Security means security of private affairs of a citizen. It shall also include the security
of residence or residential compound and building in the compound, possessions,
correspondence and other communication of a citizen.
e. Relevant Ministry means the Ministry of Home Affairs.
f. Responsible Authorities means the relevant government department, government
organization or government officials.
Chapter II
Protecting the Privacy and Security of the Citizen
3. Every citizen has the right to enjoy the protection of his/her privacy and security in full, as set
out in the Constitution of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar.
4. The Relevant Ministry, government departments and Responsible Authorities shall ensure
that the privacy and security of the citizen is protected.
Chapter III
Duties of the Relevant Ministry and Responsible Authorities
5. The Relevant Ministry and Responsible Authorities shall:
(a) ensure that there is no damage to the privacy and security of the citizen except where this
occurs in accordance with existing law.
(b) when acting in accordance with existing law, not enter into a person’s residence or a room
used as a residence, or a building, compound or building in a compound, for the purpose
of search, seizure, or arrest, unless accompanied by minimum of two witnesses who
should comprise Ward or Village Tract Administrators, Hundred- or Ten-Householder
Head.
6. If the Relevant Ministry or Responsible Authorities receive a complaint under this Law, they
shall take action in accordance with the law. If the complaint does not relate to their activities,
they must reply to the complainant within 30 days, stating the reasons and advising on which
organisation to direct the complaint.