ADVISORY COMMISSION ON RAKHINE STATE
whether Rakhines and Muslims will live together, but rather how they will live
together. Reintegration, not segregation, is the best path to long-term stability
and development in Rakhine State.
The people of Myanmar rightly take great pride in their history and culture, which
is characterized by its rich diversity. However, in order to move forward together
the past must give way to a renewed vision for a dynamic future.
Realizing such a vision will not only depend on sustained political will from the
Government, but also require the support of local communities, to whom this
vision must be clearly communicated. The vast majority of people the Commission
has met with want a peaceful, economically prosperous future. Inevitably, there
will be a minority who oppose change. Yet, while every effort should be made to
understand their concerns, they should not be allowed to thwart progress. Through
open dialogue and sustained engagement, and the implementation of its agenda
for the rule of law, the government can win the trust of both communities.
The international community should strive to fully understand the sensitivities that
prevail in Rakhine State and work with the Government to achieve a positive vision
for the future. Myanmar should be open to advice and support from the international
community, recognising that what it does or does not do has ramifications far
beyond the borders of the country. To the extent that the Government wishes to
treat Rakhine as “a domestic issue”, as the Commission has often heard, then it
should at least declare its readiness to aid all people residing in Rakhine State,
irrespective of ethnicity, religion and citizenship status, on the basis of fairness
and equity.
The scope of the challenges in Rakhine State may seem immense. The Commission
hopes that the ideas presented in this report will be a modest contribution to
charting a way forward. But ultimately this is a task for the Government together
with the communities in Rakhine State, civil society and religious and political
leaders. The Advisory Commission resolutely believes that with the right vision and
political will, Rakhine State can fulfil its potential and reclaim its historical greatness.
FINAL REPORT
11