Although Kofi Annan-led Rakhine State Advisory Commission proposed to amend 1982 Citizenship Law, Dr Win Myat Aye, Union Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement, replied that it was an important suggestion, but the legislation amendment was not an easy task.

The workshop on Review of Implementation of the Recommendations on Rakhine State was held at Park Royal Hotel in Yangon Region on May 6 and 7.

“This is one of the most important out of 88 suggestions of Rakhine State Advisory Commission. But, it is not easy to amend the law. If a law is intended to be amended, a bill has to be compiled and drafted. Then it has to be reviewed. It has to be discussed at the parliament. For these reasons, it can be said that it is not easy to amend a law. Recommendations beneficial to the people have been under implementation,” said Dr Win Myat Aye.

Kofi Annan-led Rakhine State Advisory Commission which is consisted of nine members was formed on 24 August in 2016. The commission held discussions in Rakhine State and some regions for one and half years. The final report on Rakhine State was submitted to the government on August 23 in 2017.

 The 1982 Citizenship Law included in the final report of Rakhine State Advisory Commission goes against the internationally-recognized standards agreed by Myanmar. Therefore, the 1982 Citizenship Law should be reviewed.

Member of the Advisory Board of the Committee for Implementation of the Recommendations on Rakhine State Rt. Hon. Lord Darzi of Denham said, “To amend a law is to take time in any independent country apart from Myanmar. We have no time and it is a difficult point. Now is inopportune time for legislation amendment.”

Translated and Edited by Win Htut