Progress in key areas a must

The United Nations has said a substantial progress is urgently needed in three key areas, including addressing the root causes of the Rohingya crisis and a clear pathway to citizenship for Rohingyas.

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) say they stand ready to commence assessment activities in 23 villages in line with an MoU signed by the two agencies and the Myanmar government three months ago.

Two other areas covered by the Memorandum of Understanding are granting effective access in Rakhine State and ensuring freedom of movement for all communities.

"These assessments would be a first step only, with the expectations that access will be expanded to allow for the large scale comprehensive assessments that continue to be needed," Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for the UN secretary-general, told reporters during a regular briefing at the UN headquarters.

The assessment in the initial list of villages is part of a broader work plan that has been under discussion with the Myanmar authorities since July,   he said.

By commencing with need assessments to identify and implement quick-impact projects, the UNHCR and the UNDP hope to jump start confidence building measures aimed at rebuilding trust and social cohesions with those communities that remain in Rakhine, said Dujarric.

On Thursday, the International Criminal Court (ICC) came up with a ruling that it has jurisdiction over Myanmar's deportation of the Rohingya population to Bangladesh.

Amnesty International has said the ICC decision is a significant step in the right direction which opens up a clear avenue of justice for the Rohingya who were driven out of their homes.