Statement by Kofi Annan, Chair of the Advisory Commission
on Rakhine State (Interim Report)
MARCH 16, 2017
Let 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 trust. Nevertheless, there are steps that can
be taken immediately, which we put forward in this report.
The report proposes a series of measures to address the
situation in Rakhine State.
These recommendations include a renewed call for
unimpeded access for humanitarian actors and journalists to the affected areas
in Northern Rakhine and for independent and impartial investigation of the
allegations of crimes committed on and since 9 October 2016.
We strongly believe that perpetrators of these crimes
must be held to account.
Our recommendations, of course, go beyond the current
situation in Northern Rakhine and include proposals relating to: the protection
of rights, freedom of movement, enhanced economic and social development and the
edification of Rakhine’s cultural heritage.
The Commission is aware of a number of unresolved
concerns surrounding the verification of citizenship and recommends that they
be clarified and resolved without delay.
We also stress that inclusive access to healthcare and
education for the all the people in Rakhine requires attention and improvement.
In this context the Commission makes some interim
recommendations for early remedial measures.
In the Commission’s view, creating conditions conducive
for inter-communal dialogue, representation and participation in public life
are essential to ensure that Rakhine state is spared from recurring cycles of
violence and destruction. We make some recommendations in that regard.
In developing these interim recommendations, my fellow
Commissioners and I have undertaken numerous consultations and discussions with
a wide range of stakeholders in Rakhine, Yangon, and Naypyitaw.
As part of that consultative process, a Commission team
visited Bangladesh. We have also held consultations with officials from
Indonesia, Thailand and organisations based in New York and Geneva.
We believe that bilateral cooperation with Bangladesh on
security and economic matters is critical, as is the outreach to ASEAN members.
The recommendations in this report are not exhaustive and
do not address all of the issues covered in our mandate.
These are early proposals for action. The main body of
our recommendations will be presented in a final report later this year.
In closing I want to commend my fellow Commissioners and
members of our office in Yangon, who have worked tirelessly to fulfil the
important task, set for us by the State Counsellor.
Our consultations will continue as we work to produce our
final report, and we look forward to further exchanges with communities and
stakeholders across Rakhine State.