Dhaka: The Myanmar government and the Rakhine State government should allow full and unimpeded humanitarian access to all areas affected by recent violence, suggests Annan commission on Rakhine State in its interim report on Thursday.

Headed by Kofi Annan, the Advisory Commission on Rakhine State in its report also recommended that the government, assisted by international partners, should ensure adequate assistance to all communities affected by the violence.

It said Myanmar authorities should provide full and regular access for domestic and international media to all areas affected by recent violence.

"In light of the allegations of serious violations of human rights law, the government should – based on independent and impartial investigation – ensure that perpetrators of serious human rights violations are held accountable," the report mentioned in its recommendations.

The governments of Myanmar and Bangladesh should strengthen bilateral ties by immediately activating a joint commission, consisting of senior political and security officials from both sides, according to the an interim report the copy of which UNB obtained. 

The joint commission – which should meet at least every quarter – should address the following issues: Facilitate the voluntary return of refugees from Bangladesh to Myanmar through joint verification, in accordance with international standards, Establish a joint mechanism to combat human trafficking, drugs smuggling and illicit trade – as well as illegal practices enabling such activities, Develop a joint strategy to address the issue of illegal migration, Promote a joint strategy to revive cross-border trade and investment,

with private sector participation, and re-open all legal border

crossings, Strengthen intelligence sharing and cooperation to combat terrorism, When refugees from northern Rakhine State return from Bangladesh, the government of Myanmar should help create a secure environment and, where necessary, assist with shelter construction for those whose homes have been destroyed.

The government of Myanmar, the 15-page interim report released on Thursday said, should - as an urgent measure - ensure comprehensive training for police and other security forces deployed in Rakhine, covering areas such as human rights and respect for cultural and religious diversity.

International donors should support such efforts by providing technical and financial assistance, it said.

The government should continue its initiative to brief Asean members on a regular basis on the broader dimensions and regional implications of the situation in Rakhine State.  It should also maintain a special envoy to engage with neighbouring countries on this issue.

Kofi Annan, as Chair of the Advisory Commission, said the report proposes a series of measures to address the situation in Rakhine State.

These recommendations include a renewed call for unimpeded access for humanitarian actors and journalists to the affected areas in Northern Rakhine and for independent and impartial investigation of the allegations of crimes committed on and since 9 October 2016. "We strongly believe that perpetrators of these crimes must be held to account," he said in a statement.

"Our recommendations, of course, go beyond the current situation in Northern Rakhine and include proposals relating to: the protection of rights, freedom of movement, enhanced economic and social development and the edification of Rakhine's cultural heritage," he said.