NAYPYITAW, Myanmar, Sept. 12 (UPI) -- The International Committee of the Red Cross said Thursday it started a four-day seminar on policing standards with security forces in Myanmar.
"This landmark seminar demonstrates our willingness to expand our work in Myanmar," Jurg Montani, the ICRC's head of delegation in Myanmar, said in a statement. "We look forward to developing a professional dialogue with senior commanders this week through sharing experiences and best practices."
Myanmar was lauded by the international community for a series of democratic reforms that began with general elections in 2010. It's been criticized, however, for its human rights record.
"It is of great importance for the country to further professionalize its police force," Myanmar Brig. Gen. Kyaw Kyaw Tun said. "A key element in that process is for all officers to understand and implement international standards."
The agency said the seminar's theme was the proper use of force, crowd control and detention.
The ICRC said it hosted 23 senior police officials as well as regional and state commanders for the four-day seminar. It's the first seminar of its kind for the ICRC in Myanmar.
