ADVISORY COMMISSION ON RAKHINE STATE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE COMMISSION’S RECOMMENDATIONS A number of efforts have been made by the Myanmar Government to develop strategies, plans, and coordination mechanisms to address the unique needs in Rakhine State. The previous Government expended significant time and effort to develop the Rakhine State Action Plan. In May 2016, State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi established the Central Committee on Implementation of Peace and Development in Rakhine State, under which four working committees operate. When implementing the recommendations of the Rakhine Advisory Commission, it is important to reflect on the lessons learnt from the previous efforts at implanting policy changes in Rakhine State. Both the current Government and its predecessor relied on cross-ministerial committees as the primary means of coordinating and implementing policy. Yet, the challenge in Rakhine is so great that it may require a designated individual with the rank of minister to focus solely on the situation in Rakhine State. The disconnect between decisions taken at the Union level and their implementation by local officials suggests the need for a permanently staffed secretariat – for instance attached to the Central Committee on Implementation of Peace and Development in Rakhine State. Consultation is also critical, particularly with representatives of the two major communities in Rakhine State. This has been done to a degree but would benefit from greater structure, planning, and consistency. Without community support, there will continue to be serious obstacles to the implementation of the Commission’s recommendations. Some international actors should also strive to better understand the sensitivities and constraints in Rakhine State. The Government, on its part, should seek to engage and broaden the range of its cooperation partners – including local NGOs, international organizations, and bilateral Governments. Recommendations: 85. A ministerial level appointment should be made with the sole function of coordinating policy on Rakhine State and ensuring the effective implementation of the Rakhine Advisory Commission’s recommendations. This should initially be a one-year appointment and the appointee should deliver public quarterly reports. 86. This one-year minister-level appointee should be supported by a 62 Towards a Peaceful, Fair and Prosperous Future for the People of Rakhine