Ex-UN chief to head Myanmar’s advisory body on Rakhine

By Kyaw Ye Lynn

YANGON, Myanmar (AA) – Myanmar State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi has announced the formation of a new advisory commission tasked with finding lasting solutions to “complex and delicate issues” in western Rakhine State -- home to around 1.2 million Rohingya Muslims.

A memorandum of understanding is to be signed between the Ministry of Office of the State Counselor and the Kofi Annan Foundation -- named after the former United Nations secretary-general who serves as its chairman -- to form the nine-member Advisory Commission.

The region has seen a series of communal violence between ethnic Rakhine Buddhists and Rohingya Muslims -- described by the UN as among the most persecuted minority groups worldwide -- since mid-2012 that has left nearly 100 dead and some 100,000 people displaced in camps.

According to Wednesday’s announcement, the commission will be chaired by Noble Peace laureate Kofi Annan and composed of three international and six national “persons of Eminence” who are regarded as highly experienced, respected and neutral.

The Commission will undertake meetings with all relevant stakeholders, international experts and foreign dignitaries to hear their views and to analyze relevant issues with a view to finding the best possible solutions to prevailing problems.

The Commission will consider humanitarian and development issues, access to basic services, the assurance of basic rights and the security of the people of the troubled state.

It is also tasked with undertaking assessments and making recommendations by focusing on conflict prevention, humanitarian assistance, rights and reconciliation, institution building and promotion of development of Rakhine.

The body will examine international aspects of the situation, including the background of those seeking refugee status abroad.

After wide consultations, the Commission will submit its findings and recommendations to the Myanmar government through the state counselor and thereafter publish its report within twelve months of its establishment.