July 25, 2020

The National-level Committee for Resettlement and Closures of IDP Camps held its second coordination meeting via videoconference yesterday.

Union Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Dr Win Myat Aye, in his capacity as the committee chairman, Deputy Minister for the Office of the State Counsellor U Khin Maung Tin as vice-chairman (1), Deputy Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement U Soe Aung as vice-chairman (2), deputy ministers as committee members, representatives from State-level committees of Kachin, Kayin, and Shan states, and departmental officials took part in the discussion.

At the meeting, Union Minister Dr Win Myat Aye said the national-level committee was formed in accordance with the National Strategy on Resettlement of IDPs and Closure of IDP Camps that was adopted in October 2019.

After forming state-level committees, the works on resettlement of IDPs and closures of IDP camps were being implemented, with the closures five IDP camps in Kachin State, five in Shan State, and four in Rakhine State.

The committee is working for resettlement of the displaced persons at two IDP camps in Kayin State.

There are currently 125 IDP camps across the country, and the works at the camps are being implemented as per strategic plans.

The committee’s vice-chairman (1) also called for systematic resettlement schemes and closures of IDP camps in careful consideration of political situation and international pressures.

He also advised to carry out resettlement plans with great cares amid timely pressures from some countries and organizations.

The vice-chairman (2) also said it is needed to regularly inform the national-level strategy, policies and works to the people who are living at the camps and near the camps.

The resettlement works must be carried out in accordance with the relevant states’ rules and regulations.

He also urged the officials concerned to choose the locations and manage the lands for IDPs in accordance with rule and regulations.

Schools, healthcare centres, roads and markets are needed to be systematically implemented. Moreover, the original rural development projects are needed to be taken into consideration, he added.

Representatives from Kachin, Kayin, Rakhine and Shan states also discussed current conditions of the IDP camps, formation of state-level committees, choosing locations for closures of IDP camps, and other required coordination matters.

Their discussions also included arrangements for vocational businesses, the important role of media and cooperation, the works of departments concerned, and assistance for IDP camps during COVID-19.

The resettlement works in line with COVID-19 guidelines were also discussed during the meeting.—MNA

(Translated by Kyaw Zin Tun)