Union Minister and diplomats witness repatriation readiness

February 6, 2018

A Delegation of diplomats led by Union Minister U Thaung Tun observed repatriation readiness as part of a trip to share accurate information to international communities.

Union Minister for the Office of the Union Government U Thaung Tun, diplomats from embassies of Myanmar’s neighbouring countries, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator and journalists yesterday toured Maungtaw to witness the preparations for repatriation.

One of the trip’s primary aims is disseminating accurate information to international communities on the government’s efforts for repatriation.

At Sittway Airport, Union Minister U Thaung Tun briefed the delegation on preparations made by the Union Government and the Rakhine State Government for repatriation, including issuing National Verification Cards, providing temporary shelter, security, food, health care, help in resettlement and rehabilitation for returnees.

Rakhine State Chief Minister U Nyi Pu invited cooperation from the diplomats and the UN official in sharing accurate information on Rakhine State to international communities after they witnessed the genuine situation in the state.

He also urged them to cooperate with the authorities as Myanmar is ready to launch the repatriation and resettlement of returnees in accordance with the agreement with Bangladesh.

Following the briefing, the delegation flew by helicopter to Hla Pho Khaung camp, a transit camp for the returnees in Maungtaw. At Hla Pho Khaung camp, Maungtaw District Deputy Commissioner U Ye Htut and officials were briefed on preparations for providing shelter, security, food, water and electricity to returnees.

Following the meeting, the delegation led by U Thaung Tun toured the camp.

Hla Pho Khaung camp is established on 124.84 acres with 640 buildings and can accommodate more than 30,000 people. The camp is ready to provide accommodation, food, drinking water, electricity and health care to returnees. Under the arrangement of the Union Enterprise for Humanitarian Assistance, Resettlement and Development in Rakhine State (UEHRD), more than 500 tents are in reserve ready to be distributed to returnees whenever necessary.

Afterwards, the delegation went to Nga Khu Ya and the reception camp, which will be used for accepting those who returned by waterway, and viewed readiness for scrutinising, issuing NV cards, health care services, internal and external liaison offices.

Afterwards, they flew to Taung Pyo Letwe reception camp and toured the facilities that will welcome those who return by road.

The delegation led by Union Minister U Thaung Tun also met with local residents who left their homes and are staying temporarily at the zero line at the border.

They briefed the residents about the government’s repatriation process under the bilateral agreement between Myanmar and Bangladesh.

The delegation also visited Kanyinchaung Economic Zone, where U Aung Myint Than, Chairman of Border Trade and Merchants’ Association, briefed them on current trading activities and objectives of the zone.

The delegation arrived back in Yangon in the evening.

The delegation comprised of Chinese Ambassador Mr. Hong Liang, Ambassador of India Mr. Vikram Misri, Ambassador of Singapore Ms. Vanessa Chan, the UN Resident Coordinator Mr. Knut Ostby, chargé d’affaires of the Thai and Bangladesh embassies, and journalists from Xinhua and NHK.

Myanmar was ready to launch the repatriation of returnees from Bangladesh as of 23 January with two camps and one transit camp established.

Myanmar News Agency

Ref; The Global New Light of Myanmar