A/HRC/42/CRP.5
escalation of the conflict between the Tatmadaw and the AA in Rakhine State. They have
impeded the implementation and effectiveness of these “quick impact projects”. 430 In March
2019, after almost three months during which activities were suspended, the Government
issued a four-week authorisation to UNDP and UNHCR to start the implementation of the
“quick impact projects” in Maungdaw and Buthidaung.431
199. Alongside these repatriation discussions, Myanmar has said it has undertaken
repatriation-related development and infrastructural projects in Rakhine, in particular the
establishment of reception and transit centres to receive returnees. It has also said it has
identified possible pilot sites for returning refugees to live. 432 The Mission is not aware of
any independent inspection carried out by humanitarian agencies to ascertain the suitability
of the designated sites.
200. In June 2019, ASEAN’s Emergency Response and Action Team (ERAT) was
permitted to visit Rakhine State. It produced a “preliminary needs assessment to assess the
readiness of Reception and Transit Centres, including potential relocation sites that have
been identified by the Government of Myanmar”. However, the report noted that whether
or not conditions were in place for return was “beyond the scope” of the assessment. 433
Notwithstanding, the assessment noted that, based on current capacity, the repatriation
process can only be completed in six years for a total number of 500,000 displaced persons.
The media has reported that the Government has also received bilateral assistance from
China and India, including prefabricated housing units for Rohingya returnees. 434
201. At the time of writing, Rohingya refugees were not voluntarily returning from
Bangladesh to Rakhine State.435 The Mission found that the overwhelming majority of
Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh have no confidence in the Myanmar Government’s
ability to guarantee their voluntary, safe, dignified and sustainable return. Refugees in
Bangladesh repeatedly expressed their desire and willingness to return to their homes only
if certain conditions are met.436 Refugees know that conditions are not conducive for return
owing to the precarious situation of the remaining Rohingya, including denial of
citizenship, the lack of access to livelihood opportunities, fear of arbitrary arrest, movement
restrictions, the Myanmar authorities’ failure to implement confidence-building measures
inside Rakhine and conflict between the Tatmadaw and the AA. 437 They have also
430
431
432
433
434
435
436
437
64
approves community-based projects in Rakhine State, 16 December 2018, available from
https://reliefweb.int/report/myanmar/unhcr-undp-statement-government-approves-community-basedprojects-rakhine-state.
FFFGEN-1-85661.
FFFGEN-1-84225.
Reuters, Exclusive: U.N. will not help Myanmar with long-term camps for Rohingya, 13 Novemeber
2018; Relief Web, MOFA explains Rakhine Repatriation, available from
https://reliefweb.int/report/myanmar/mofa-explains-rakhine-repatriation, Myanmar Times,
Repatriation to start with the first back of 2260, 15 November 2018; Xinhuanet, Myanmar, ASEAN
reiterate to cooperate in repatriation of displaced persons, 28 May 2019.
Preliminary Needs Assessment for Repatriation in Rakhine State, Myanmar, https://asean.org/aseansecgen-briefs-diplomatic-corps-preliminary-needs-assessment-repatriation-rakhine-state-myanmar.
Xinhuanet, China donates prefabricated houses for displaced people in Myanmar's western state,
available from http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2018-10/27/c_137562644.htm, Deccan Herald,
India builds houses for Rohingyas in Myanmar, available from
https://www.deccanherald.com/national/india-builds-houses-for-rohingyas-in-myanmar-746326.html.
The Mission is aware that there may have been isolated cases of Rohingya who have decided to
return. These are however rare and exceptional cases.
FM-007, RM-015, TM-010, A/HRC/40/37, para 49.
FM-003, Associated Press, UN aid chief: No progress so Rohingya can return to Myanmar, 30 April
2019, United Nations, Crisis in Rakhine State, Violence Could Derail Gains in Myanmar’s Peace
Process, Special Envoy Warns Security Council, Calling for Unimpeded Humanitarian Access,
available from
https://www.un.org/press/en/2019/sc13727.doc.htmhttps://www.un.org/press/en/2019/sc13727.doc.ht
m.
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