Impact of Coup in Myanmar on Repatriation of Rohingya Refugees and Future Peace and Security in Rakhine State

Mr Christopher de Souza asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs whether ASEAN member states have considered how the recent coup in Myanmar in February 2021 will impact (i) the goal to repatriate the Rohingya refugees to Myanmar (ii) the plight of the people in the Rakhine State and (iii) the future peace and security in the Rakhine State.

The recent political developments in Myanmar will inevitably further complicate the situation in Rakhine State and the efforts to commence repatriation of displaced persons. This is in addition to the existing challenges on the ground caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and armed ethnic insurgencies. It nevertheless remains important that the repatriation of displaced persons is voluntary, safe, dignified and sustainable.

While it will take time to reach a long-term political solution in Myanmar as well as in Rakhine State in particular, we hope that all parties would give due consideration to the urgent humanitarian needs of the displaced persons both in terms of assistance and the need to improve ground conditions. ASEAN will continue the ongoing implementation of the Preliminary Needs Assessment’s recommendations to improve the plight of these refugees.

Ultimately the future peace and security in the Rakhine State requires a viable and durable political solution that addresses the root causes of the problems in the Rakhine State. ASEAN and our external partners will continue to support efforts to bring peace, stability, the rule of law, promote harmony and reconciliation among the various communities, as well as to ensure sustainable and equitable development in the Rakhine State.