Forget the bitterness of the past, work for brighter future

The Government of Myanmar is trying its utmost to solve the complicated Rakhine issue, giving priority to peace, stability, development and repatriation of returnees. Humanitarian assistance has been provided to all affected communities through the Red Cross Movement and the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Centre). The UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Food Programme (WFP) have also jointed in this effort.

The Government is making progress in implementing the recommendations of Dr. Kofi Annan’s commission as a road map.

Of 88 recommendations, 36 are for socio economic development, 48 are for peace and stability and four are pragmatic ways for achieving success in implementing the recommendations.

The Committee on Implementing the Recommendations in Rakhine State has gained achievements since it was formed. About 60 local investment businesses were permitted in 2018 and land compensations were given to the farmers under the economic and socio-economic development sector.

To create job opportunities, garment factories and traditional weaving businesses have been established in Rakhine State.

In the communications sector, more than 600 mobile radio stations have been established.

In the agriculture sector, about 1,300 pieces of agricultural machinery were distributed to members of the cooperative societies in 15 townships in Rakhine State, while more than 23,300 baskets of quality seeds were given to farmers.

Health care services and facilities were upgraded and pregnant women and children under the age of two were provided with cash assistance in the 2017-2018 fiscal year in Rakhine State.

Regarding the efforts of the Union Enterprise for Humanitarian Assistance, Resettlement and Development in Rakhin, more than 800 houses, monasteries, roads, water and power supply infrastructures are under construction in Rakhine State.

Similarly, infrastructures were built to accommodate the returnees from Bangladesh under the repatriation program. When the displaced persons return, they will be able to resume their lives.

Regarding the closing of IDP camps established after the conflict in 2012, the government is taking measures step by step to close the camps so that the people sheltering in the camps can travel freely in accordance with the law and can participate in the development tasks.

The government’s efforts for rehabilitation, stability and development for Rakhine State are in the right direction, but there is still a long way to go. Local authorities and security institutions are working together with accountability and responsibility to put the state onto the road to development. It is the Rakhine people who would enjoy the benefits of the implementation of the recommendations. The people of Rakhine are urged to forget the bitterness of the past and to cooperate with each other and with the authorities in building a brighter future for the state.

Ref; The Global New Light of Myanmar