UN refugee agency set to bolster aid work in Myanmar

The United Nations refugee chief today announced plans to ramp up his agency’s operations in Myanmar, at the end of a six-day visit to the South-East Asian country.

António Guterres travelled to Myanmar’s capital, Nay Pyi Taw, as well as Sittwe and Myeik, where he was able to observe the humanitarian work carried out by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

According to a news release issued at the end of his visit, Mr. Guterres held “frank and open” discussions with Government officials, covering areas of concern to the agency, from prevention of displacement to voluntary return, registration and legal status, and improvements to economic and social conditions.

Both sides agreed on the importance of a continued UNHCR presence in northern Rakhine State and in the south-east of the country, and an agreement was reached to extend the agency’s work with the population of northern Rakhine State.

Based on his observations and discussions which took place during the trip, Mr. Guterres has concluded that the current level of UNHCR activity in northern Rakhine State does not meet the needs of the people and a decision was taken to immediately upgrade the agency’s programme.

It was also agreed that UNHCR and the Government would examine the scope for strengthening the agency’s work in the south-east.

In addition, the Minister of Home Affairs together with UNHCR decided that increasing the scale of the agency’s activities, especially in relation to health, education, water, sanitation, agriculture and infrastructure support, would complement UNHCR’s work on voluntary return and reintegration.

The High Commissioner for Refugees also met with the Tripartite Core Group that coordinates assistance provided to the delta area in the aftermath of Cyclone Nargis, as well as other UN officials, while in Myanmar.