UN calls for end to violence, persecution of Rohingya

Seven years since the forced mass displacement of Rohingya and other communities from Myanmar’s Rakhine State, the United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called for an end to the violence and full protection of civilians across the country which is now engulfed in a brutal civil conflict.

Around one million Rohingya are sheltering in Bangladesh and over 130,000 more have sought safe haven across the region without immediate prospects for return, Guterres said in a statement issued by his Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric on Friday – just ahead of Sunday’s grim anniversary. 

“The dire security and humanitarian situation with ongoing access challenges has exacerbated pre-existing vulnerabilities of the people of Myanmar, including the Rohingya, who continue to face discrimination and persecution as the armed conflict escalates in Rakhine State”, the statement said.

The Secretary-General calls on all parties to the conflict in Myanmar to end the violence and ensure the protection of civilians in accordance with applicable international human rights standards and international humanitarian law. 

He renews his appeal to strengthen regional protection efforts, provide access to conflict-affected communities and further support host countries, including through the 2024 Joint Response Plan for the Rohingya Humanitarian Crisis in Bangladesh.  

The Special Envoy of the Secretary-General on Myanmar is engaging all stakeholders, including regional actors, to move towards an inclusive Myanmar-led process for sustainable peace and national reconciliation that are important steps to create conditions conducive to the voluntary, safe, dignified, and sustainable return of the Rohingya people to Myanmar.