Joint Delegation Visits IDP Camps in Rakhine State including representatives from Bangladesh and India

On March 8, 2023, a joint delegation consisting of members from the de facto authority and foreign embassies visited Ohn Taw Gyi and That Kay Pyin IDP camps in Rakhine State. The delegation included Deputy Foreign Minister U Kyaw Myo Tun, newly appointed Chief Minister of Rakhine State U Htin Lin, and the Chief Immigration Officer of Rakhine State, as well as representatives from the Indian and Bangladeshi embassies in Myanmar.

The delegation arrived at Ohn Taw Gyi IDP camp at around 5 pm and took pictures and videos while driving along the main road. They then proceeded to That Kay Pyin camp without getting out of their vehicles. Upon arrival at That Kay Pyin at around 5:30 pm, the delegation conducted a short meeting with camp leaders.

During the meeting, one camp leader raised concerns about the lack of healthcare in That Kay Pyin Station Hospital, which had been empty for more than a month. Another leader highlighted the need for rehabilitation of the damaged main road within the camp. The Deputy Foreign Minister noted these concerns and promised to ensure access to healthcare and doctors in That Kay Pyin Station Hospital soon, while rehabilitation of the road would be processed within the next six months.

However, former Administrator of Khoung Duke Kar village-track, Rofique @ Soe Hla, interrupted the meeting and stated that everything was okay in the camp and there was nothing special to be highlighted. Despite this interruption, another camp leader raised the issue of nationality.

Rofique interrupted again and stated that he would support the community’s acceptance of the National Verification Card (NVC) if the government sent a mobile team to process provision of NVC in the camp. The interruption by Rofique disappointed the IDPs and camp leaders, who were unable to fully express their needs to the delegation.

The delegation is currently in Maungdaw Township. The visit of the joint delegation has raised hopes among IDPs that their concerns and issues will be addressed soon, especially with promises of better healthcare access and rehabilitation of the damaged road within the camp.