UNDP, UNHCR to sign MoU with Myanmar on Rohingya repatriation

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have agreed on text of a Memorandum of Understaning (MoU) with Myanmar government to support the creation of conditions for the return of Rohingya refugees.

UNHCR and UNDP agreed on text for the tripartite MoU with the Myanmar government in Nay Pyi Taw yesterday, according to a joint press release of UNHCR and UNDP.

It is planned that the MoU will be signed in the course of the next week, the exact date of which is yet to be confirmed.

The tripartite MoU will establish a framework for cooperation aimed at creating the conditions conducive to the voluntary, safe, dignified and sustainable repatriation of Rohingya refugees to their places of origin or of their choosing, the release read.

Since the conditions are not conducive for voluntary return of the refugees yet, the MoU is the first and necessary step to support the Myanmar government's efforts to change that situation and is also intended to support recovery and resilience-based development for the benefit of all communities living in Rakhine State.

The agreement will provide a framework for UNHCR and UNDP to be given access to Rakhine State, including to refugees' places of origin and areas of potential return that has not been permitted since violence broke out in August last year.

The access will allow UNHCR to assess the conditions on the ground and carry out protection activities and eventually provide independent information to refugees about the conditions in their places of origin, helping them to make informed decisions if the conditions are right for them to return in safety and dignity.

The MoU will also allow the two UN agencies to carry out needs assessments in affected communities and strengthen the capacity of local authorities to support the voluntary repatriation process.

Once signed, the MoU will affirm the Myanmar government's commitment to work with the UN agencies to find a solution for the Rohingya population, in line with the recommendations of the Kofi Annan-led Advisory Commission on Rakhine State.

The recommendations include establishing a clear and voluntary pathway to citizenship and ensuring freedom of movement for all people in Rakhine State, irrespective of religion, ethnicity or citizenship status. The development programmes supporting livelihoods and social cohesion will benefit all communities.

The signing of the MoU is an integral part of a comprehensive approach by UNHCR and UNDP to find solutions for Rohingya refugees and supporting transition towards a peaceful, fair and prosperous future for all the people of Rakhine State.

On April 13 this year, the Government of Bangladesh and UNHCR also signed a MoU relating to voluntary returns of Rohingya refugees once conditions in Myanmar are deemed conducive.