ADVISORY COMMISSION ON RAKHINE STATE
of the existing system of command and control, including the delineation
between different organizational mandates, remains weak. This reflects the
complicated security infrastructure in Rakhine, with an excessive number
of security agencies, which has created a number of problems on the ground.
First, the responsibility for internal security is shared by the military, the
BGP, and the police, and patrols often combine personnel from different
agencies. Second, the BGP does not operate exclusively along the border,
but also in Rathedaung, which has no international border. Third, the
immigration cadre under the BGP performs functions additional to those
of the immigration officers under the Ministry of Labour, Immigration and
Population, with significant extra requirements imposed on the population
in its area of operation. Fourth, it remains unclear how the authorities set
the strategy for the BGP and the Myanmar Police, and whether these policing
agencies are operationally independent. Finally, there is no clear, transparent
system for oversight of professional standards.
Recommendations:
65. The Commission welcomes the efforts already underway to extend
training on human rights awareness to Myanmar security personnel
as recommended in the Commission’s interim recommendations.
Such efforts should be intensified and become a permanent feature
of the training of security personnel. Other kinds of training, including
on protection of civilians and community policing should also be
provided. International donors should support the Government by
providing technical and financial assistance for this purpose.
66. The Government of Myanmar should take steps to improve the
monitoring of the performance of security forces. One essential
step is to ensure that all security personnel wear a visible name
badge and identification number, which has become standard
practice in modern policing around the world. Another step would
be to install CCTV at all checkpoints in Rakhine to ensure that all
security personnel respect the dignity of the members of the public,
and do not abuse their power through extortion and/or violence.
It will be essential to require all footage to be kept available for
inspection.
67. To maintain the high standards expected of the security forces, the
Government should establish a permanent mechanism for performance
inspection. To harness the power of transparency, such a body
should be constituted by a diverse group of experts (including from
54 Towards a Peaceful, Fair and Prosperous Future for the People of Rakhine