20  May

A high level meeting on locating the internally displaced persons (IDPs) of Rakhine State in safe housing before the arrival of monsoons was held yesterday in Sittway, the state’s capital.

At the meeting, Union Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Dr Win Myat Aye said, “The rule of law and socio-economic progress are the Government’s highest priority programs for Rakhine State.

“The relevant ministries, committees and organizations, and the public, are joining hands to enforce the rule of law in Rakhine State,” he pointed out, adding, “The socio-economic progress of the state is the most focused program of the Union Enterprise for Humanitarian Assistance, Resettlement and Development in Rakhine State (UEHRD), the related ministries, social organizations, NGOs, INGOs, entrepreneurs and the people.”

The Union Minister also explained his ministry’s role in fulfilling the needs to ensure equality among the peoples of Myanmar, and reforms whose priority was based on the degree of requirements. “Because of its volume of requirements, Rakhine State is included in the priority list,” he added.

“We are a government body that is responsible for looking after the vulnerable and victims, and we are here to assist the people who were driven away from their homes by the recent armed conflicts,” he noted.

“It is the fourth time we come here for this purpose. During the past three visits, the ministry provided rice, clothing and household items for the victims of the conflicts. Moreover, over K 900 million were channeled through the UEHRD for the victims.

“The Government is striving for the development of the whole Rakhine State and ensuring the rule of law. Additionally, it is seeking out the means for making the state a conflict-free area. Currently, the government is participating in its mission to provide a safe shelter for the victims of the conflicts.”

The Union Minister called for collective efforts of all relevant departments, organizations and persons.

In his discussions, U Nyi Pu, the Chief Minister of Rakhine State, elaborated on providing for the needs of the IDPs, the program to provide shelter for them before the onset of monsoons, and the responsibility and involvement of the departments.

After a presentation, made by director of Rakhine State Government on the temporary shelter for the IDPs, Deputy Minister U Soe Aung, cabinet members of Rakhine State, and officials took part in the discussions. The Union Minister and the Chief Minister joined in the discussions.

Accompanied by the Chief Minister and officials, the Union Minister paid respects to the Sayadaw of Amyotha monastery in Sittway. They also visited the IPDs of Yathedaung and Buthidaung townships. —MNA  (Translated by TMT)