A technical working group comprised of representatives from UNDP and UNHCR proposed findings from a field visit to Buthidaung and Maungtaw townships, Rakhine State, and a coordination meeting for related implementation was held at the Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement yesterday.

First, Union SWRR Minister Dr Win Myat Aye, who is also Chairman of the Committee for Implementing the Recommendations on Rakhine State, delivered an address.

He said a central committee for peace, stability and development in Rakhine State was initiated in May 2016 and the Advisory Commission was set up in August of the same year to uncover the basic necessities of the region. He said the ARSA group first attacked in October 2016 and then again on 25 August 2017 when the Advisory Commission submitted their final report.

Despite delays in overall processes, the UEHRD was formed to perform sustainable cooperation on humanitarian assistance, repatriation, resettlement, avoiding conflict, and development, said the Union Minister.

He said an Investigation Commission was set up with Vice President U Myint Swe as Chairman to probe into the background situations that led to the violent attacks. The commission produced a report with 48 points, which are implemented along with the 88 points of the Advisory Commission.

The Union Minister said there were misunderstandings from other nations despite Myanmar’s best efforts to stabilize and develop Rakhine State. He said five public reports have been published and Myanmar has cooperated with the UN to conduct the Rakhine Joint Assessment across 130 villages in Kyauktaw, MraukU and Minbya townships in Rakhine.

The Union Minister said the Committee for Implementing the Recommendations on Rakhine State was thus formed once more with five foreign and domestic experts. He said as there were international accusations made concerning the violent attacks, the Independent Commission of Enquiry (ICOE) was formed and their final report was submitted in January this year.

The Union Minister said the recommendations of the ICOE report are also being implemented and they are receiving assistance from the Office of the ASEAN Secretary-General and AHA Centre. He said processes to develop Rakhine State were already in implementation since 2016.

This was followed by attendees explaining the practical implementation and challenges of the technical working group’s recommendations, compiling a Rakhine Projects Portfolio for better cooperation between relevant entities, and discussing the findings sent by UNDP and UNHCR.

Afterwards, the Union Minister concluded the meeting with a closing speech.

MNA
(Translated by Zaw Htet Oo)
Photo - MNA
Ref; The Global New Light of Myanmar