ADVISORY COMMISSION ON RAKHINE STATE THE SECURITY SECTOR Rakhine represents a complex environment for Myanmar’s security forces. First, the state is marked by protracted inter-communal tension, which – as seen in 2012 – has the potential to develop into large-scale violent confrontations between the two communities. Second, anti-government sentiments have led elements within both communities to take up armed struggle against the Government. As such, Myanmar’s security forces face challenges from both Rakhine and Muslim non-state armed groups, such as the Arakan Army (AA) and the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA). Tension has risen after the attack on the Border Guard Police (BGP) in October 2016, which was followed by an extensive military and police operation. Alleged human rights violations carried out by the security forces have further strained relations between the authorities and the Muslim community, especially in the north. A new, dangerous dimension has been added by the killings of Muslims seen as linked to the authorities – allegedly carried out by militant Muslims – which may serve to further fragment the Muslim community. Except for the relative scarcity of weaponry accessible to nonstate armed groups, all the main ingredients for more violent conflict are currently present in Rakhine – fear across communities, widespread anger, and a sense of victimization. Moreover, the northern part of the state has become a major transit hub for drugs smuggling, aggravating the sense of lawlessness and insecurity along the border with Bangladesh. Public trust in Myanmar’s security forces unfortunately remains low across the state. Both within the Rakhine and Muslim community, the security forces are often accused of being corrupt, and of failing to provide adequate protection in case of violent upheavals, such as in 2012. In a survey, a significant number of respondents from all communities in Rakhine identified the “lack of law enforcement” as a major reason for the deteriorating security situation in the state (rising from 24 percent in 2015 to 41 percent in 2016).18 To earn the trust and respect of Rakhine’s population – a prerequisite for effective security provision in the state – Myanmar’s security forces need to maintain the highest professional standards. As such, all security personnel will need to defend and act in accordance with the principles of recent democratic reforms and the rule-of-law. Effective security also depends on a clear definition of the roles and responsibilities of each security agency, and robust oversight mechanisms. As of today, however, public understanding 18 Rakhine State Needs Assessment, Center for Diversity and National Harmony (CDNH), October 2015; Rakhine State Needs Assessment II, Center for Diversity and National Harmony (CDNH), January 2017. FINAL REPORT 53