Rakhine State Action Plan

Rakhine State Action Plan. It was a government strategy formulated under the administration of President Thein Sein to address protracted intercommunal tensions and humanitarian crises in western Myanmar. The plan, developed by the Rakhine State Government and central authorities in Naypyidaw, aimed to create a framework for stability, development, and citizenship verification. Its proposals, particularly concerning the Rohingya people, became a focal point of intense domestic debate and international condemnation, influencing subsequent initiatives like the Advisory Commission on Rakhine State.

Background and context

The plan emerged directly from the violent 2012 Rakhine State riots between Rakhine Buddhists and Rohingya Muslims, which caused widespread displacement and deaths. This violence exacerbated a long-standing crisis rooted in the contested citizenship status of the Rohingya, who were largely excluded from the 1982 Burmese citizenship law. The situation created a severe humanitarian emergency, with over 140,000 people, predominantly Rohingya, confined to camps like those near Sittwe. Against this backdrop, the Government of Myanmar, facing pressure from groups like the Arakan National Party and international bodies including the United Nations, drafted the strategy to propose solutions. The drafting process involved committees led by figures such as Win Myat Aye, then Minister of Social Welfare.

Key provisions and objectives

A central pillar involved a controversial citizenship verification process, requiring individuals to identify as "Bengali" to potentially qualify for naturalization under the 1982 Burmese citizenship law. The plan also outlined measures for the closure of internally displaced persons camps and the resettlement of residents. It proposed security sector reforms, economic development projects, and the strengthening of local administration. Furthermore, it included objectives to conduct a regional household survey and promote dialogue between communities. The provisions were intended to align with broader national initiatives like the Myanmar Peace Centre's work but were framed within a highly securitized context.

Implementation and timeline

Initial pilot projects for citizenship verification began in 2014 in villages like Thet Kel Pyin and Kyein Chaung, meeting with widespread Rohingya resistance due to the required "Bengali" designation. The implementation was overseen by the Rakhine State Government and involved various ministries from Naypyidaw. Progress was slow and fragmented, with significant phases intended to unfold over multiple years. Key events included the distribution of temporary identification cards, known as white cards, and subsequent efforts to collect them. The timeline was consistently disrupted by local opposition, bureaucratic challenges, and escalating violence, including attacks by the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army.

International response and criticism

The plan was heavily criticized by the United Nations, Human Rights Watch, and Amnesty International, which argued it institutionalized discrimination and potential statelessness. Special Rapporteurs like Yanghee Lee and Tomas Ojea Quintana condemned its provisions as violating international human rights law. Neighboring countries, including Bangladesh and members of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, expressed deep concern. Western governments, such as the United States under President Barack Obama and the European Union, urged major revisions, linking the policy to broader issues of democratization in Myanmar. The criticism intensified following military operations like Operation Clearance in 2016.

Impact and outcomes

The plan failed to resolve the core crises and is widely seen as having exacerbated tensions, contributing to the conditions that led to the 2016–17 Northern Rakhine State clashes and the subsequent Rohingya genocide. Its citizenship process left most Rohingya in legal limbo, and camp closures were not achieved as envisioned. The international backlash damaged the reputation of the Government of Myanmar and figures like Aung San Suu Kyi, who defended the strategy. It was effectively superseded by the formation of the Advisory Commission on Rakhine State, chaired by Kofi Annan. The legacy of the plan is deeply intertwined with the ongoing refugee crisis centered on Cox's Bazar in Bangladesh and proceedings at the International Court of Justice.

Category:2014 in Myanmar Category:History of Rakhine State Category:Human rights in Myanmar