ADVISORY COMMISSION ON RAKHINE STATE to listen and learn; to carry out our mandate with rigorous impartiality; and to focus on the future. If adopted and implemented in the spirit in which they were conceived, I firmly believe that our recommendations, along with those of our interim report, can trace a path to lasting peace in Rakhine State. They address the suffering and frustrations of the people of Rakhine State, including those who feel especially vulnerable because they are deprived of documentation and the freedom of movement. We are deeply conscious of the obstacles that lie ahead. History casts a long shadow. But we are equally convinced that the people of Rakhine can grasp this opportunity to reclaim their future. With the presentation of our final report, the Advisory Commission on Rakhine has fulfilled its mandate. Responsibility for the implementation of our recommendations now lies with Myanmar’s leaders and institutions: The Union and Rakhine State governments; the national and state parliaments; religious and community leaders; and above all the people of Rakhine. We have suggested that the Government establish a mechanism to facilitate and track that process. Guidance from the Union level must be matched by action at the state level, by local authorities, and the security services, whose powers confer upon them the responsibility and capacity to be a force for positive change in Rakhine State. As we complete our task, I would like to acknowledge the great dedication and tireless efforts of my fellow commissioners. They have done much of the work on the ground, including many consultations in Rakhine State. I sincerely hope that their firm resolve will be matched by all those leaders, officials and communities who must now take forward our recommendations and implement them in good faith. I would like especially to express my deep appreciation to the State Counsellor, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi for her leadership in setting up the Commission and her readiness to meet and consult with me whenever needed. My hope is that the work and recommendations of the Commission will assist the Government in its search for solutions to the Rakhine crisis. My thanks extend as well to the State Counsellor’s staff led by Minister Kyaw Tint Swe who has ably facilitated the work of the Commission, enabling it to complete its tasks as planned. On the occasion of my visits to Myanmar, I was graciously received by the President of the Union U Htin Kyaw who offered the Commission valuable advice for which we are grateful. Clearly, the military and other security services have a critical role to play in building a better future for Rakhine State. This is why I consulted the Commander-in-Chief, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and other senior officers of the Tatmadaw on several occasions. I thank them for their cooperation and encourage them to FINAL REPORT 7