ASEAN takes stronger stand on Rohingya crisis

SINGAPORE – The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has stepped up and is making a commitment to address the plight of the Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr., in an interview here, said it was agreed during the 33rd ASEAN Summit to be active in the humanitarian aspect in the Rakhine State.

“We will do our best to come in, we have to be active in the humanitarian aspect. I mean, physical presence, and not just going in and visiting but being there. I believe there’s an organization for that and that’s our commitment. That was welcomed by State Chancellor,” he said.

Myanmar State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi is in the center of criticism due to her supposed inaction on the massive crackdown on Rohingya Muslims who are treated by Buddhists as illegal immigrants from Bangladesh.

Rohingya Muslims have fled Myan- mar trying to escape the violent military crackdown wherein soldiers set fire to homes and shot civilians as they tried to escape.

The Philippines has already expressed concern over the humanitarian situation in the Rakhine State.

The government, however, opted to oppose the United Nations draft which sought to resolve the crisis.

In a speech in New Delhi in India in January this year, Duterte said that if there is one thing that he can advise Aung San Suu Kyi, it is for her to ignore all criticisms about human rights and focus on doing her job.

In the ASEAN Chairman’s Statement, the 10 Southeast Asian leaders stressed the need to find a comprehensive and durable solution to address the root and causes of the conflict, and to create a conducive environment so that the affected communities can rebuild their lives.

“We encouraged Myanmar to continue to implement the remaining recommendations of the final report of the Advisory Commission on Rakhine State,” the statement read.

“We also expressed our continued support for Myanmar in its efforts to bring peace, stability, the rule of law, to promote harmony and reconciliation among the various communities, as well as to ensure sustainable and equitable development in Rakhine State,” it furthered.