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Find the latest news releases and updates from the Advisory Commission on Rakhine State below.
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As Chair of the Advisory Commission on Rakhine State I am gravely concerned by, and strongly condemn, the recent attacks in Rakhine State. I am saddened to hear of the loss of life of members of the security forces. The alleged scale and gravity of these attacks mark a worrying escalation of violence. No cause can justify such brutality and senseless killing. Perpetrators should be held to account. I urge the security forces to exercise restraint in dealing with the situation and above all ensure that innocent civilians are not harmed. I strongly urge all communities and groups to reject …
Continue readingThe Advisory Commission on Rakhine State would like to invite you to a press conference for a presentation of its final report and recommendations to the Myanmar Government. Date : Thursday 24 August Where : Sule Shangri-La, Level 2, Ballroom II. Time : 4 pm – 6 pm The final report covers all issues in the Commission’s mandate including: conflict prevention, humanitarian assistance, reconciliation, institution building, and development. The recommendations describe the steps the Myanmar Government can take to address both long-term and structural issues, as well as those requiring urgent action. The Government of Myanmar has mandated the Commission to propose recommendations for improving the welfare of all people in Rakhine State. The Commission is composed …
Continue reading“The Commission was shocked to learn of the crash of the military transport plane in the Andaman Sea yesterday, and we are particularly saddened by the loss of so many young children. On this tragic occasion we wish to extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved families of those on board, their colleagues in the military, and the people of Myanmar. “The Commission also wishes to pay tribute to personnel of the armed forces, who quickly launched comprehensive search and rescue operations, as well as to all the civilians who aided those efforts.”
Continue readingLet me make a few introductory remarks on our report. First, we should accept that the nature of the crisis facing Rakhine state has changed due to the attacks of 9 October and the subsequent security operations. This has led to investigations and reports by the United Nations and human rights agencies. However, we as the Advisory Commission are guided by our mandate to focus mainly on long-standing obstacles to peace and development in Rakhine State. We recognise that the challenges facing Rakhine State and its peoples are complex and the search for lasting solutions will require determination, perseverance and … Continue readingThe Advisory Commission on Rakhine State would like to invite you to a Press Conference for a presentation of its interim recommendations for the Myanmar government. Date: March 16, 2017 (Thursday) Where: Sule Shangri-La, Ground Floor, Bago Room. Time: 4pm These recommendations describe the steps the Myanmar government can take to immediately improve the situation on the ground in Rakhine, while the final report will contain more long-term recommendations. The Government of Myanmar has mandated the Commission to propose recommendations for improving the welfare of all people in Rakhine state. It is composed of six local and three international experts, …
Continue readingI strongly condemn the murders of the distinguished lawyer U Ko Ni and the driver U Nay Win, who was killed while endeavouring to apprehend the assailant. I extend my earnest condolences and deepest sympathies to the bereaved families and friends. This news is tragic and shocking. Any use of violence against those who defend human rights and the rule of law is deeply abhorrent. I firmly believe that whatever our differences dialogue and tolerance is the way forward. Violence is not the answer. I urge the authorities to investigate and sanction this heinous crime as quickly as possible.
Continue readingYangon – We have since September met with a host of youth groups, community leaders, parliamentarians, women groups as well with the Government that mandated us to carry out our work. Our discussions focused on the reconciliation among the communities of Rakhine, freedom of movement, citizenship verification, and economic and social development of Rakhine state. We also spoke about the preservation and promotion of the rich cultural heritage of the state. We discussed these issues with the President, and, earlier today, when we met with the State Counselor and the Commander-in-Chief. Let me at this stage remind you that our …
Continue readingThe Advisory Commission on Rakhine State would like to invite you to a Press Conference. Date: Tuesday 6 December Where: Sule Shangri-La, Ground Floor, Bago Room. Time: 4 pm This press conference will conclude the Advisory Commission's visit which started on 30 November in Yangon (30 November - 1 December) and continued in Rakhine State, including northern Rakhine State (2 December - 4 December). Commissioners during their visits interact with Government representatives, civil society, community leaders, youth groups, residents of camps and local villagers. In Nay Pyi Taw (5 December - 6 December), the Advisory Commission is scheduled to meet the State Counsellor of Myanmar, the … Continue readingThe Advisory Commission on Rakhine State convenes between 30 November and 6 December 2016. It intends to meet representatives from the Government, security forces, civil society as well as camp residents and villagers and local leaders. Please check back on this site regularly as meetings and plans may change and need to be adapted and amended due to outside circumstances. Schedule: 1 December 2016 Meetings with representatives of the INGO Forum Rakhine Network Youth Leaders at CDNH Muslim political party representatives National Democratic Party for Development Democracy and Human Rights Party Muslim academics Rakhine Ethnic Affairs Minister & Yangon based … Continue readingAs Chair of the Rakhine Advisory Commission, I wish to express my deep concern over the recent violence in northern Rakhine State, which is plunging the State into renewed instability and creating new displacement. All communities must renounce violence and I urge the security services to act in full compliance with the rule of law. The Advisory Commission is mandated to provide recommendations to the Myanmar government on measures for resolving the complex challenges facing Rakhine State, which are holding back the State's economic and social development. Recent events have reinforced the urgency of tackling these challenges in order to … Continue reading