UN Human Rights (HR) Chief Volker Türk on Friday expressed grave alarm and raised profound concerns about the sharply deteriorating situation across Myanmar, particularly in Rakhine State where hundreds of civilians have reportedly been killed while trying to flee the fighting, reports UNB.
"These atrocities demand an unequivocal response - those responsible must be held accountable, and justice must be pursued relentlessly," said Türk.
In a statement issued from Geneva, he said recurrence of the crimes and horrors of the past must be prevented as a moral duty and a legal necessity.
"It is the responsibility of the international community, with ASEAN at the forefront, to take all necessary measures to protect the Rohingya and other civilian victims of this cruel conflict."
Over the past four months, tens of thousands of people, many of whom are Rohingya, have fled a major offensive by the Arakan Army to take control of Buthidaung and Maungdaw towns from the military.
"Thousands of Rohingya have been forced to flee on foot, with the Arakan Army herding them repeatedly into locations that offer scant safe haven."
"As the border crossings to Bangladesh remain closed, members of the Rohingya community are finding themselves trapped between the military and its allies and the Arakan Army, with no path to safety," he added.
UN HR chief fears repeat of 2017 atrocities against Rohingya
FE Team | Published: August 24, 2024 00:04:30
UN HR chief fears repeat of 2017 atrocities against Rohingya
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