Debated in Parliament on 8 Jul 2019.
Ms Anthea Ong asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs (a) whether he can provide an update on the ASEAN Leaders' discussion on the Rohingya issue at the ASEAN Summit held from 19-22 June 2019, especially on their repatriation and guaranteed safety on their return; and (b) what have the ASEAN Leaders agreed to do in the meantime with regard to the education and well-being of the children in Bangladesh who, being stateless, are missing out on formal education given the continued delay of a resolution.
During the recent Summit last month, the ASEAN Leaders and Foreign Ministers received an update on the findings of the Preliminary Needs Assessment that was conducted in Rakhine State from 4 to 13 March 2019.
The assessment focussed on the readiness of the reception and transit centres, as well as potential relocation sites identified by the Myanmar government. ASEAN's potential assistance to the Myanmar government’s repatriation efforts include enhancing the capacity of the reception and transit centres, increasing awareness of the repatriation process, and supporting the provision of basic services in Rakhine State. ASEAN remains committed to assisting Myanmar in addressing this challenge. The safety and security of returnees, and indeed of all communities in Rakhine State, is of paramount importance. Repatriation should take place in a safe, voluntary, sustained and dignified manner. ASEAN will continue to support efforts by all stakeholders to create conducive ground conditions for repatriation to begin.
The security situation in Rakhine State remains a concern. It has further deteriorated following the clashes since December 2018 between the Myanmar military (Tatmadaw) and the Arakan Army (AA). ASEAN has urged all Parties to avoid further outbreak of violence so that humanitarian assistance could reach those who are in need.
The issue the member raised on education and wellbeing of the affected children in Cox's Bazar is an important one. Various stakeholders – the Bangladeshi government, the UN and other international donors, and some ASEAN Member States – have extended assistance to the displaced persons in Cox's Bazar. However, these are only temporary measures. So long as a permanent political solution remains elusive, the future of these children remain bleak.
That is why ASEAN has consistently stressed the need to find a comprehensive and durable solution to address the root causes of the conflict, and to create a conducive environment so that the affected communities can rebuild their lives. It is ultimately the responsibility of Myanmar to work towards a viable political solution that addresses the underlying causes of this longstanding and complex problem. This is the only way to resolve this problem once and for all.
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