Event Info In the wake of strong criticism and pressure from the international community over the Rohingya crisis, the Myanmar civilian government on October 12 created the Union Enterprise for Humanitarian Assistance, Resettlement and Development (UEHRD) with the objective of implementing three major tasks: to repatriate those who have crossed over to Bangladesh and provide humanitarian assistance effectively; to resettle and rehabilitate; and to bring development to the region and establish a durable peace. This initiative aims to bring together the Myanmar government, the people, private sector, local and international non-government organizations and partner countries in the efforts of multi-sector development of the ravaged Rakhine state. As its first major development, which was in response to the State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi’s call, private business pledged 17.7 billion kyats (approximately US$12.8 million) at an event in the capital Naypyidaw on October 20 to support the enterprise. While the UEHRD initiative brings a promising opportunity to address the Rohingya conundrum, there remains certain lingering challenges. This talk will focus on the short-term and long-term opportunities, as well as the potential problems, including peace and reconciliation, identity and citizenship issues. The talk will also examine the role of the international community, including the United Nations and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. Registration for this event has closed. |