Update on Discussion on Situation in Rakhine State during ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Retreat

8 Mr Christopher de Souza asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs (a) whether he can provide an update on the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Retreat with regard to recent developments in the Rakhine State, in particular where repatriation efforts are concerned and whether from ASEAN's viewpoint, enough has been done to ensure that those who return will not face the same threats to their safety as when they first left; and (b) whether there is a long-term solution for the situation.

Dr Vivian Balakrishnan: At the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Nha Trang from 15 to 17 January, the ASEAN Foreign Ministers discussed the situation in Rakhine State, and how ASEAN could further support efforts to encourage the safe and voluntary repatriation of refugees and improve the conditions in Rakhine. The situation in Rakhine State is a complex inter-communal issue with deep historical roots, and remains a common concern to all ASEAN Member States. ASEAN has actively engaged the Myanmar government on the situation, and has extended humanitarian support to the affected communities, through the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on disaster management, or AHA Centre.

At the recent Foreign Ministers' Retreat, the ASEAN Secretariat provided an update on the establishment of the Ad-Hoc Support Team of the ASEAN Secretariat, in accordance with the decision of the ASEAN Leaders at the 35^th ASEAN Summit in Bangkok in November last year. The Ad-Hoc Support Team would focus on implementing the recommendations of the preliminary needs assessment that was conducted in March 2019. As a first step, the Ad-Hoc Support Team will focus on seven priority activities, which will help provide equipment for the reception and transit centres in Rakhine State, build infrastructure in the area, and strengthen communication between officials and displaced persons to facilitate repatriation.

The ASEAN Foreign Ministers also recognise that more can be done to address the situation. At the Retreat, we also tasked the Ad-Hoc Support Team to identify further concrete projects through which ASEAN could support the improvement of the ground conditions in Rakhine State. We look forward to studying these proposals, and further discussing how ASEAN can play an enhanced role in supporting Myanmar through providing humanitarian assistance, facilitating the repatriation process, and promoting sustainable development in Rakhine State. ASEAN's involvement can help to enhance confidence and trust, and we should explore ways to create a conducive environment for sustainable repatriation and resettlement of displaced persons. We also look forward to the conduct of subsequent needs assessments once repatriation takes place. ASEAN is committed to sustaining efforts to address this problem.

Unfortunately, the security situation in Rakhine State remains a grave concern, due to the ongoing armed conflict between the Arakan Army, a Rakhine nationalist armed group, and the Myanmar armed forces (Tatmadaw), including in the territory previously occupied by many of the refugees. This is an internal issue for Myanmar. On its part, ASEAN has urged all Parties to avoid further violence so that humanitarian assistance can reach all those who are in need. ASEAN will also continue to support the efforts to create conducive ground conditions for repatriation to begin.

We note that the Independent Commission of Enquiry (ICOE) established by the Myanmar Government submitted its Final Report on 20 January 2020. The Myanmar authorities said they would investigate the crimes alleged in the report and to prosecute where the evidence indicates so. Separately, on 23 January 2020, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ordered provisional measures in the case brought against Myanmar by Gambia under the Application on the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of Genocide. As a small state, Singapore is a strong proponent of international law, of which the ICJ is an important pillar. We urge all parties to respect the ICJ's decision on provisional measures. We continue to encourage and welcome all efforts to seek transparency and accountability in respect of the situation in Rakhine State. These are important steps to a long-term, sustainable solution that takes into account the concerns and interests of all the different ethnic communities in Rakhine State.

ASEAN hopes to see peace and stability return to Rakhine State, and that repatriation can begin soon. However, it is ultimately the responsibility of the Myanmar Government and relevant stakeholders to work towards a viable and durable political solution that addresses the underlying causes of this longstanding and complex problem. This is the only way to attain a sustainable solution.