Facilitate return of Rohingyas

The Annan commission on Rakhine State yesterday recommended facilitating voluntary return of refugees from Bangladesh to Myanmar through joint verification, complying with international standards.

In its interim report released yesterday, the Advisory Commission on Rakhine State said, “When refugees from northern Rakhine State return from Bangladesh, the government of Myanmar should help create a secure environment and, where necessary, assist with shelter construction for those whose homes have been destroyed.”

It suggested the Myanmar government and the Rakhine State government should allow full and unimpeded humanitarian access to all areas affected by recent violence.

Headed by former UN chief Kofi Annan, the commission also recommended that the government, assisted by international partners, should ensure adequate assistance to all communities affected by the violence.

It said Myanmar authorities should provide full and regular access for domestic and international media to all areas affected by recent violence.

“In light of the allegations of serious violations of human rights law, the government should -- based on independent and impartial investigation -- ensure that perpetrators of serious human rights violations are held accountable,” the 15-page interim report mentioned in its recommendations.

It also recommended that the governments of Myanmar and Bangladesh should strengthen bilateral ties by immediately activating a joint commission, consisting of senior political and security officials from both sides.

The joint commission, which should meet at least every quarter, should address issues that include establishing a joint mechanism to combat human trafficking, drugs smuggling and illicit trade, developing a joint strategy to address the issue of illegal migration, promoting a joint strategy to revive cross-border trade and investment and strengthening intelligence sharing and cooperation to combat terrorism.