UNICEF defends $90,000 a month rent in Myanmar, says landlord's family not on sanctions list
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The United Nations' children's agency is defending a decision to pay nearly $90,000 a month for its new office — a three-story house owned by the family of an ex-army general who was slapped with U.S. sanctions during Myanmar's dictatorship.
UNICEF says in a press release Thursday it carried out an "extensive search," looking at more than 40 locations, before signing the deal.
Without mentioning the name of the Major Gen. Nyunt Tin — whose family owns the property — UNICEF said he no longer holds public office and is not currently subject to criminal charges or international sanctions.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Myanmar, which only recently emerged from half-century of military rule, has implemented sweeping reforms since handing power to a nominally civilian government three years ago.