Remarks by Kofi Annan, Chairman of the Advisory Commission
on Rakhine State
DECEMBER 6, 2016
Yangon – 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 mandate is to submit recommendations to the Government on how it may
promote reconciliation, strengthen local institutions, advance development,
resolve conflict, and provide humanitarian assistance, in Rakhine State.
The recent violence in northern
Rakhine underlines the importance and immediacy of the Commission’s task.
You may be aware that we
visited parts of northern Rakhine affected by the recent violence as well as
areas that remained peaceful, a few days ago. We are deeply concerned by the
reports of alleged human rights abuses.
We stressed in all our meetings
that wherever security operations might be necessary, civilians must be
protected at all times and I urge the security services to act in full compliance
with the rule of law. We also stressed that security operations must not impede
humanitarian access to the population. We have been given the assurance that
humanitarian assistance is allowed access and trust that all communities in
need will receive the assistance they require.
Let me conclude by saying that
we were encouraged by the cooperative spirit of the younger generation. We are
here to listen to the needs and concerns of all people of Rakhine state and to
give them a voice.