UNDP, UNHCR, Myanmar extend MoU
The UN Development Programme (UNDP) and the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) on Monday agreed with the federal government of Myanmar to extend the tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for activities in Rakhine State amid no repatriation of Rohingyas from Bangladesh.
The MoU is aimed at helping create a conducive environment for the voluntary, safe, dignified and sustainable repatriation of Rohingya refugees from Bangladesh together with supporting recovery and resilience-based development for the good thing about all communities moving into the three northern townships of Rakhine State, reports UNB.
Commenting on the situation in Rakhine State, UNDP and UNHCR said creating a conducive environment for the voluntary, safe and dignified return of refugees and to enhancing the enjoyment of human rights for the populace still surviving in Myanmar may be the responsibility of the Government of Myanmar, and UNDP and UNHCR remain focused on supporting this work.
"We call on the federal government (Myanmar) to address the main factors behind the crisis by fully implementing the tips of the Advisory Commission on Rakhine State, including those on freedom of movement, a clear and voluntary pathway to citizenship and increased access to public services and livelihoods," said the UN agencies.
The exchange of letters was signed by the Myanmar Ministry of Labor, Immigration, and Population, and by representatives of UNDP and UNHCR in Naypyidaw, Myanmar, and will extend cooperation through June 2021, according to a note received from Bangkok.
This framework for cooperation between your UN and the federal government was in the beginning signed on 6 June 2018, and previously extended in-may 2019.
Welcoming the extension of the agreement, UNDP and UNHCR said as the environment in Rakhine State is not yet conducive to the voluntary repatriation of Rohingyas, the MoU has allowed UNHCR and UNDP teams to assess the immediate needs in over 120 villages up to now in Maungdaw and Buthidaung townships.
"We've consulted over 2,600 persons on the communities' priorities, making certain the projects will best meet their needs and serve to market social cohesion between communities," reads the joint comment.
Because the initial MoU was signed in 2018, a total of 75 quick impact projects (QIPs) have been approved, including for community infrastructure such as water improvement, school and road rehabilitation, skills training and income-generating projects, and also projects targeting people with specific needs.
A seventh round of assessments is currently proceeding but constrained due to the COVID-19 situation. Efforts are underway to raise awareness within the communities about COVID-19 prevention.
This latest extension of the MoU comes amid ongoing armed conflict leading to increased humanitarian needs among all communities over the state, and deepening the operational challenges faced by UNDP, UNHCR and partner organizations.
Consistent access for UNDP, UNHCR and their partners is vital to make sure expanded implementation of the MoU.
Through the extended implementation period, efforts to handle assessments in Rathedaung township and medium-term planning inclusive socio-economic development are priorities.
