ADVISORY COMMISSION ON RAKHINE STATE Even the Kaman – despite being recognized as one of Myanmar’s 135 indigenous peoples – have been unable to register civil society organizations in Rakhine State, and the community finds it difficult to access many civil service posts and higher education. Other ethnic and religious groups – Chin, Daing-Net, Mro, Mramagyi, Khamwee, Thet and Hindus – also remain marginalized, and are underrepresented in the civil service. One mechanism which in theory could address such inequities is the post of Ethnic Affairs Minister, which may be elected by the members of any recognized ethnic group comprising more than 0.1 percent of the population of the state. While several minorities in Rakhine are above this threshold, only the Chin community has a designated minister. Finally, women’s political representation and civic participation remains weak across all communities. No female parliamentarians were elected to the Rakhine State Parliament in 2015, and only three were elected from Rakhine State constituencies to the Union Parliament in Naypyitaw. There are currently no female administrators (i.e. Village Tract, Township or District Administrators) in the state, though women do sometimes hold more junior civil service positions. Some women-focused civil society groups – including the Rakhine Women’s Union and the Rakhine Women’s Network – have sought to address gaps in women’s empowerment, and increasingly managed to nurture a public discourse on women rights. However, while demonstrating some degree of influence, for instance to intervene on behalf of victims in high-profile rape cases, these organizations seem to have little impact on policymaking. Recommendations: 51. In general, the Government of Myanmar should take steps to promote communal representation and participation for underrepresented groups, including ethnic minority groups, stateless and displaced communities, and women; increase government engagement with the public and build trust between the Government and communities at the local level; and improve civil society participation in policy design and implementation. 52. The Rakhine State Government and General Administration Department should increase access to civil service positions for individuals from ethnic and religious minorities in the state, with particular effort to incorporate women from those groups. The Commission also reiterates that the composition of the police force should reflect the population in all components, including women and minorities. 48 Towards a Peaceful, Fair and Prosperous Future for the People of Rakhine