UN member states express deep concern over situation in Myanmar
Several UN member states released a joint statement Monday expressing deep concern over the situation in Myanmar.
'We are deeply concerned by the escalation of violence and conflict and credible reports of violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law across Myanmar that are deepening the humanitarian crisis,' said US Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, Robert Wood.
Wood highlighted recent reports indicating that the Myanmar regime has taken 'deliberate steps' in Rakhine State to use internally displaced persons, many of whom are Rohingya, 'as human shields amid the conflict.'
He noted that since the military coup in 2021, the number of people in need of humanitarian assistance has skyrocketed from 1 million to 18.6 million. Additionally, over 2.9 million people have been newly displaced, including 66,000 who have sought refuge in neighboring countries, adding to the over 1 million Rohingya refugees who fled prior to the coup.
Wood urged the Myanmar Armed Forces and all parties involved to de-escalate violence, respect international humanitarian and human rights laws, and protect civilians. "We reiterate calls to engage in constructive and inclusive dialogue to find a peaceful solution to the situation in Myanmar," he said.
In 2017, Myanmar’s military launched violent operations against the Rohingya population in northern Rakhine State, which rights groups have since labeled as genocide. Nearly 1.2 million Rohingya were forced into neighboring Bangladesh, where they continue to live in overcrowded refugee camps.
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