ADVISORY COMMISSION ON RAKHINE STATE communities, including Kamans, Chins, Hindus and Mros. At the Union level, the Commission has met with political and military leaders, including the President, the State Counsellor, the Commander-inChief and the Central Committee for the Implementation of Peace, Stability and Development in Rakhine State. The Commission has also consulted countries in the region. In Bangladesh, the Commission met with Government officials in Dhaka, and visited various refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar. The Commission has met with the Thai Minister of Foreign Affairs in Bangkok, and the Commission’s chair has also met the President and Foreign Minister of Indonesia. The Commission has held discussions with representatives of India, China and Malaysia, and consulted various other international actors, including UN officials, Myanmar-based diplomats, representatives of International Non-Governmental Organisations (INGOs), regional organizations, and independent analysts. Since the Commission was inaugurated on 5 September 2016, it has carried out 155 consultation meetings in Sittwe, Mrauk U, Myebon, Kyawktaw, Thandwe, Kyawkpyuh, Ramree, Maungdaw, Buthidaung, Yangon and Naypyitaw – as well as in Bangkok, Dhaka, Cox’s Bazar and Geneva. During these meetings, the commissioners have met with approximately 1,100 representatives of various stakeholders. Additionally, individual commissioners have reached out to a variety of other actors. (e) Context of the Commission’s work The context in which the Commission has operated is a highly challenging one. Rakhine State represents a complex mixture of poverty, under-development, inter-communal tension, and political and economic marginalisation. Local communities harbour deeprooted fears of the intentions of other groups, and trust in government institutions is limited. In particular, the Government’s ability to provide services – including protection – to all communities has for long been wanting. The Commission recognizes the complex nature of the challenges in Rakhine, and the lack of instant solutions. During the period of the Commission’s mandate (September 2016 – August 2017), various developments have occurred that have seriously affected, and sometimes complicated, its work: ○ The security situation in Rakhine State deteriorated sharply after 14 Towards a Peaceful, Fair and Prosperous Future for the People of Rakhine