28 July
Myanmar and ASEAN discussed measures and progresses on repatriation programme for the displaced persons from Rakhine State during the 3rd High-Level Coordination Meeting yesterday.
Union Minister for International Cooperation U Kyaw Tin, Union Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Dr Win Myat Aye, Secretary-General of ASEAN Dato Lim Jock Hoi delivered opening remarks at the meeting.
Union Minister Dr Win Myat Aye, the joint-chair of the meeting, said that Myanmar is making the united efforts to repatriate the displaced persons and to develop socioeconomic situations in Rakhine State despite some challenges amid the outbreak of COVID-19.
After the 2nd edition of this meeting, technical work groups held discussions; the ASEAN Ad-Hoc Support Team was formed; prioritized projects were identified. With the coordination of ASEAN Secretariat and the AHA Centre, Myanmar officials made two visits to the displaced persons in Cox’s Bazar in Bangladesh to explain repatriation processes and findings from Preliminary Needs Assessment.
Myanmar is also implementing the MoU signed with UNHCR and UNDP, and meeting with the locals for resettlement of displaced persons and closures of IDPs. The government is working with the Singapore-based Asia Philanthropy Circle (APC) with the assistance of UEHRD to conduct the vocational trainings for young people in Rakhine State.
Relief supplies are being given to IDPs and temporary displaced persons in cooperation with WFP and ICRC.
At the 36th ASEAN Summit, the leaders of member countries supported Myanmar’s efforts on harmony of social communities and sustainable development programmes in Rakhine State.
The Secretary-General of ASEAN remarked conducting Preliminary Needs Assessment (PNA) is a crucial step for both ASEAN and Myanmar, and the bloc will continue support in implementing recommendations in the PNA.
He also suggested other important projects should be identified for Rakhine State, in addition to the existing 7 prioritized sectors, and he pledged to provide more assistance through humanitarian assistance programmes.
Union Minister for International Cooperation U Kyaw Tin highlighted importance of cooperation between ASEAN and Myanmar.
The MoUs with UNDP and UNHCR have been extended one more year; field surveys have been conducted and plans for effective results have been drawn.
He added that houses will be constructed in the villages where pilot projects will be conducted; Myanmar government will make more discussions with Bangladeshi ambassador for repatriation process of displaced persons, and it is believed the two countries could make positive discussions for peace, social harmony and development in Rakhine State. The ASEAN Secretariat, AHA Centre, Ad HoC Support Team and the Department of Disaster Management discussed the prioritized projects, progress of cooperation, collected funds, plan for the Comprehensive Needs Assessment, progress in implementation of project, works of UEHRD, new areas for cooperation with ASEAN and the prioritized plans.
MNA (Translated by Aung Khin)
