Union Minister reaffirms readiness for repatriation in Rakhine State

Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief & Resettlement/ in Geniva, Switzerland / October 02, 2018

UNION Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Dr. Win Myat Aye reaffirmed Myanmar’s readiness to accept the displaced people who left for Bangladesh, after the terrorist attacks in Rakhine State last year. In his speech at the opening of the 69th meeting of the Executive Committee of the High Commissioner’s Programme (Ex-COM) at the United Nationsin Geniva, Switzerland yesterday, he also stressed the importance of the cooperation between Myanmar and Bangladesh to resolve the transnational issue. Myanmar signed an agreement with Bangladesh to accept the displaced people within three months after their leaving for Bangladesh.“We attach great importance to needs to create peace, stability and development for the repatriation process. Therefore, we signed the MoU with UNDP and UNHCR,” said Dr. Win Myat Aye,who is also Vice Chairman of the Union Enterprise for Humanitarian Assistance, Resettlement and Development in Rakhine State. Myanmar hoped that the undertakings of the UNDP and UNHCR would be not only for the repatriation but also for sustainable peace and development in Rakhine State, through the suggestions and cooperation, said the Union Minister. The implementation of the MoU has been commenced and the UN teams are now on ground making first phase of their assessment.Myanmar Government has established the Independent Commission of Enquiry. The Commission is tasked to investigate allegations of human rights violations and related issues, following the terrorist attacksin Rakhine State, with a view to seeking accountability and reconciliation, and to formulate recommendations on steps to be takento ensure peace and stability in Rakhine State.