UN Security Council demands end to violence in Myanmar's Rakhine

The UN Security Council on Wednesday expressed "deep concern" over the situation in Rakhine State of Myanmar and called for an end to violence against the Rohingya, a mostly Muslim ethnic minority group.


"The members of the Security Council expressed deep concern about the situation in Rakhine State. acknowledging the initial attack (by Rohingyas) on Myanmar security forces on Aug. 25, they condemned the subsequent violence (by Myanmar security forces), which has led to over 370,000 people being displaced," said Tekeda Alemu, president of the Security Council, in a readout of the council's agreement following closed-door consultations on Wednesday.

"They expressed concern about reports of excessive violence during the security operations and called for immediate steps to end the violence in Rakhine, de-escalate the situation, re-establish law and order, ensure the protection of civilians, restore normal socio-economic conditions and resolve the refugee problem."

Earlier Wednesday, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described the situation in Myanmar's Rakhine as "catastrophic." The number of refugees fleeing into Bangladesh has tripled since last week, reaching nearly 380,000. Women and children are arriving hungry and malnourished, Guterres told reporters. He called on all countries to do what they can to help the refugees.

The Security Council consultations came after Guterres wrote a letter to the council to express concern.
   [globaltimes.cn/Xinhua]
14/9/17