YANGON, March 13 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugee (UNHCR) and Myanmar have agreed to the continued presence of the UNHCR in northern Rakhine state and the southeast of the country, a release of the UN Information Center in Yangon said on Friday.The agreement was reached during the six-day visit to Myanmar of UNHCR Antonio Guterres from March 7 to 12, covering the areas of Nay Pyi Taw as well as Sittwe and Myeik where he observed UNHCR operations in northern Rakhine state and in the southeast of the country.
Myanmar's state-run radio and television reported Friday night the visit of the UNHCR without mentioning the details of the discussions with the government.
The UNHCR, in its statement, stressed the up gradation of its program in Myanmar with immediate affect, acknowledging that the UNHCR's current level of activities in northern Rakhine state does not correspond to the actual needs.
"The extension of UNHCR's program for the population of northern Rakhine State was agreed, bringing to a positive conclusion discussions that had been taking place," the release said.
A number of specific sectors were identified which include health, education, water sanitation, agriculture and infrastructure, the release disclosed, holding that increasing the scale activities conducted directly by UNHCR or in conjunction with the UN country team and other partner would complement UNHCR's protection role in relation to voluntary return and reintegration.
According to the release, the Myanmar government has designated the Deputy Minister of Home Affairs to coordinate a development program for northern Rakhine state and open discussions were made covering all areas of concern to the UNHCR from prevention of displacement to voluntary return, registration and legal status and improvements to economic and social conditions. More >>>
