Burma forms an ‘Investigation Commission’ concerning the Rakhine standoff

Burma has formed of an ‘Investigation Commission’ for an independent inquiry into recent horrific sectarian violence in the Rakhine state, which the United Nations human rights envoy to Burma said was the country’s one of various human rights challenges at present.

The President of Myanmar (Burma) Thein Sein signed the Notification No. 58/2012 of the Union Government of Myanmar dated 17th August 2012 to form an investigation commission.

According to the Notification, there occurred organized lawless and anarchic acts that can harm peace, stability and rule of law in Rakhine State in May and June, 2012. The investigation commission was formed to investigate the truth and to propose opinion for the national interest.

Following United Nations special envoy Tomas Ojea Quintana called for the establishment of an independent commission earlier this month, President Thein Sein’s plan come into view to probe into the incident relating to the rights abuses, some of which were seemingly committed by the securities authorities.

Following the UN Special Rapporteur for Human Rights in Myanmar (Burma), Tomas Ojea Quintana called for the establishment of an independent commission earlier this month, President Thein Sein’s assignment came into view to investigate the confrontation relating to the rights abuses, some of which were seemingly done by the security authorities.

As mentioned in the Notification, the Investigation Committee has been chaired by Dr. Myo Myint, a retired Director General from Ministry of Religious Affairs. Dr. Kyaw Yin Hlaing of Myanmar Egress has become secretary of the committee.

The Notification says: The Investigation Committee is to probe into the incident in connection with the following matters.

(a) the causes of the incident

(b) the dead, injured, loss of property and other damages

(c) the maintenance of rule of laws to attain stability

(d) the performance of rehabilitation and rescue works

(e) the short term and long term plan to end the conflict

(f) the ways and means to co-exist peacefully among the communities in different religious belief

(g) the suggestions for maintaining rule of laws and

(h) the suggestions for the economic and social development

Distinguished comedian Zagana, 88-Generation student leader Ko Ko Gyi and the veteran journalist Maung Wuntha are also assigned in the 27-member ‘Investigation Committee’. There are also members from various political parties, religious groups and retired civil servicemen.

They are namely Reverend U Kyaw Nyunt (Judson Church, Yangon), Reverend U Saw Mar Gay Gyi (Myanmar Baptist Convention), U Thein Tun (Businessman), U Khun Htun Oo (Chairman of Shan National League for Democracy Party), Daw Than Than Nu (Democratic Party -Myanmar), U Khin Maung Swe (Chairman of National Democratic Front), Dr. Aye Maung (Chairman of Rakhine Nationalities Development Party), U Aye Thar Aung (Rakhine National League for Democracy), Dr. Daw Yin Yin Ngwe (UNICEF Senior Officer -Retired), Dr. Salai Mu Kyone Lai (International Laws Expert), U Tin Aung Moe (Environmentalist), U Aung Naing Oo (Ba-Hu Development Group), Daw Wah Wah Tun (Chairperson of Myanmar Women Entrepreneur Association), Daw Jar Nan (Executive Director, Nyein Foundation), U Tun Aung Chain (Myanmar Human Rights Commission), Hajji U Nyunt Maung Shein (President, Islam Religious Council Headquarter), Hajji U Tin Maung Than (Secretary, Islam Religious Council Headquarter), Hajji U Hla Win (Chairman, Myanmar Muslim National Federation), U Kyaw Khin (General Secretary, Myanmar Muslim National Federation), Hajji U Myint Tun (Chairman, Myanmar Muslim Youth ‘Religious’ Federation), U Hla Win (Secretary, Myanmar Muslim Youth ‘Religious’ Federation) and Dr. Hla Tun (Secretary, Hindu Federation).

According to the ‘Notification’, the Investigation Commission have to submit the report directly to the President by 17 September, 2012 after making necessary investigation into the case in line with Penal Code and Evidence Act. It also mentions that the location trip, the summon of the witnesses and the request of the documents are also allowed to be performed.

On 9 August 2012, President Thein Sein received a delegation led by Turkish Foreign Minister Mr Ahmet Davutoglu in Naypyitaw. The visiting Turkish FM said that the optimistic image of Myanmar should not be tarnished due to Rakhine dilemma. He said he would brief his real findings in OIC meeting to be held in Saudi Arabia next week on the Rakhine issue.

He said he stood with Myanmar against misunderstandings on Myanmar in Turkey. The misinterpretation of OIC countries could be prevented by allowing international assistances, as people from various religions including Islam lived in harmony in Myanmar.

The President said that he was disappointed by misinformation of the media. The pictures of genocide spreading in the internet were not from Rakhine incidents but from other parts of the world. Those fake media coverage try to fuel the viewers that these things are occurring in Rakhine, he said.

According to the President, only 77 persons – 31 Rakhine nationals and 46 Bengalis – lost lives during the incident. Around 100 victims from both side injured. A total of 4800 houses were destroyed by fire as both sides burnt up in rage.

A press conference was held on 30 July in order to brief the diplomats on the Rakhine issue. The UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Situation in Myanmar Mr Quintana also press attended the conference as he was on a visit in Myanmar.

- Asian Tribune -