A United Nations envoy called Saturday for the establishment of a "truth commission" into decades of human rights abuses in Myanmar to augment its ongoing transition to democracy.
A nationwide probe led by parliament into allegations of the abuse of dissidents and ethnic groups locked in conflict with the state is key to healing long-standing rifts, UN Special Rapporteur Tomas Ojea Quintana said.
Speaking at the end of visit to the former army-ruled state, Quintana urged Myanmar's quasi-civilian government to heal festering wounds as the country steps out of the shadow of five decades of military rule.
"I remain of the opinion that addressing grievances from decades of human rights violations is crucial for democratic transition and national reconciliation," he told reporters as he left Yangon late Saturday.
"In this regard, I have discussed with different stakeholders, including ethnic groups, political party leaders, and members of Parliament, the establishment of a truth commission."
During his visit Quintana also met with several UN staff held since recent unrest between Muslim Rohingya and ethnic Buddhists in Rakhine state, raising "serious concerns" about their treatment during their "unfounded" detention.