UN warns of recurrent atrocities against Rohingya Muslims

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has warned of grave threats to the lives of Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar due to the fighting in Rakhine State between the armed forces and the Arakan Army, stating that “alarm bells” have begun to ring.

Jeremy Laurence, spokesperson for the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, said during a press conference in Geneva, “There is a serious risk of repeating past atrocities against the Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar.”

He added, “Since the collapse of the unofficial ceasefire that lasted for a year between the two sides last November, hundreds have been killed and injured in Rakhine State (Arakan), with the number of displaced people exceeding 300,000.”

The UN official explained that “Rakhine State has once again become a battleground involving multiple actors, and civilians are paying a heavy price, with the Rohingya particularly at risk.”

Lawrence said, “The army is rapidly losing territory to the Arakan Army throughout northern and central Rakhine, and in the face of defeat, it has begun forced recruitment, bribery, and forcing the Rohingya to join its ranks.”

He emphasized, “It is unreasonable for them to be targeted in this way, given the horrific events that occurred six years ago and the continued severe discrimination against the Rohingya, including denial of citizenship.”