A/HRC/39/CRP.2 certain “professional” subjects (including law, computer science, engineering and medicine). They were also not allowed to study beyond a bachelor’s degree level.1212 566. In some cases, Rohingya students were not given a certificate upon completion of their studies.1213 One interviewee explained that, because Sittwe University refused to issue her a certificate upon completion of three years of zoology studies, she had to work as an office cleaner.1214 Another interviewee said she had to bribe the university to obtain a certificate which did not correspond to the actual subject of her studies. Despite this, she explained the importance of receiving this document: I finally received my certificate from university. That is the only thing I was hiding in my blouse when I left Myanmar by boat. In the boat, everyone was asking me why I cared so much about this piece of paper. My whole life had been devoted to my studies. This is the only piece of paper I cared about.1215 567. Since 2012, Rohingya students have been unable to enrol at Sittwe University, due to unspecified “security concerns”. In practice, this effectively denied them access to higher education.1216 In 2017, the authorities put in place distance learning for Rohingya and Kaman students.1217 However, only a small number of mainly Kaman students were reportedly enrolled in the programme, which is only limited to history and Myanmar language courses.1218 The Mission views this initiative as totally inadequate in meeting Myanmar’s obligations under international law, to provide access to higher education for Rohingya and Kaman students. The students need full access to all universities in Myanmar. (d) Conclusion 568. In addition to, and often because of, the lack of legal status, severe movement restrictions, the Rohingya also face restrictions on access to food, livelihood, healthcare and education. 569. Rakhine State is one of the poorest states in Myanmar. All communities suffer from poverty, poor social services and scarcity of livelihood opportunities, despite it being fertile, relatively well-endowed with natural resources and strategically located.1219 The extreme levels of malnutrition in Rakhine State, and in particular in northern Rakhine, must be seen in light of the policies and practices of the authorities. They are a consequence of the authorities’ actions and omissions. The severe movement restrictions and other discriminatory policies, affecting Rohingya’s access to land, forests, fishing grounds and markets, have a direct impact on their food security and health, threatening their right to life and ability to live in dignity and free from hunger. An already difficult situation has been further compounded by the waves of violence and security operations in Rakhine State, and the Government’s strict restrictions on humanitarian assistance. The Government of Myanmar manifestly fails in its obligation to respect, protect and fulfil the right of Rohingya individuals to an adequate standard of living, including their right to food. 570. The same analysis applies in relation to access to healthcare. The Mission notes that all communities in Rakhine State suffer from low availability and quality of healthcare. However, the severe movement restrictions, the arbitrary and cumbersome procedures to access hospitals and health facilities, the additional fees and bribes they must pay, the discrimination faced in health facilities, and the language barriers, put adequate healthcare entirely out of reach for the Rohingya. They experience delays, forgo healthcare, or rely on alternative healthcare strategies, putting them at greater risk. The Government of Myanmar 1212 1213 1214 1215 1216 1217 1218 1219 CI-065, CI-069, CI-078, DI-003, DI-007, DI-013, DI-034, DI-073, DI-076, LI-135. CI-078, DI-050, DI-076; see also: A/HRC/28/72, para. 55. DI-078. DI-050. CI-080, DI-026, DI-073, LI-135. Ministry of Information, “Distance University students studying peacefully in Rakhine State” (12 November 2017). Ibid. Advisory Commission on Rakhine State, Final Report, Towards a peaceful, fair and prosperous future for the people of Rakhine (August 2017), p. 20. 135