Landesa shares the deep concerns raised around the world and by those working in Myanmar and the region about the situation in Rakhine State. While Landesa conducts no direct programmatic work in Rakhine State, the organization monitors closely the reports concerning displaced persons and refugees, including the reports by the UN Special Rapporteur and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, as well as those by international NGOs and by the Government of Myanmar.  Landesa feels strongly that upholding human rights, including respect for the rights of ethnic minorities, in accordance with international norms is a vital part of the democratic transition underway in Myanmar, and is essential to a lasting settlement under the national peace process.  An immediate cessation of armed conflict and violence in Rakhine state, protections for all people of Rakhine State and Myanmar, including return and resettlement of refugees and communities displaced during the crisis, and addressing the root causes of underdevelopment and violence in Rakhine, are essential steps to ensure the safeguarding of human rights and a lasting peace in Myanmar.  Landesa is committed to support these processes of peacebuilding and respect for rule of law and the human rights of all people in Myanmar.