COVID-19 Response: No One Left Behind in Rakhine State: MOFA Statement

Myanmar will leave no one behind in its fight against COVID-19 in Rakhine State, according to the statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 10th April.

It said as the COVID-19 global pandemic has reached every corner of the world, Myanmar is making rigorous efforts within its limited capacity and resources to contain the outbreak of the new virus, to protect lives and to mitigate the impacts on the socio-economic life of the people under the guidance of the National-Level Central Committee headed by the State Counsellor.

With a view to ensuring that no one is left uncared for, the government is launching an intensive public awareness campaign about the virus, and disseminating health guidelines and directives prepared by the Ministry of Health and Sports for all communities throughout the country, including Rakhine and Muslim villages and IDP camps.

In the areas where internet data access had to be suspended, the Government, in cooperation with the mobile operators, has arranged to disseminate COVID-19 information via mobile SMS services and vocal announcements.

In addition, the Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement has already put in place an Action Plan for the Control of possible COVID-19 outbreak at the IDP camps which will be implemented with the assistance of relevant United Nations Agencies and international organisations.

It also stated that the main reason for internet suspension in some parts of Rakhine State is to prevent the misuse of the internet by the Arakan Army (AA) for their political and military agenda. The AA exploited internet services and social media as a tool for planned attacks, detonating land mines, recruitment and incitement of hatred among different national races which could seriously disrupt the national harmony and the Government’s efforts to restore peace and stability in Rakhine State.

The acts committed by the AA have caused serious losses of public security, lives and property, important infrastructures and state-owned properties and amount to terrorism.

Therefore, the Central Committee for Counter-Terrorism declared the AA a terrorist group on 23 March 2020. The Ministry of Home Affairs has also declared the AA an unlawful organization.

Terrorism in all its forms and manifestations must be condemned. The international community, including domestic and international organizations, should therefore refrain from providing material or moral support to any terrorist group including the AA. Ending this armed conflict will bring an end to the ongoing humanitarian situation of the local population in Rakhine State.