The United States has called on Myanmar security authorities to respect the rule of law, stop the violence, and end the displacement of civilians from all communities.
“We also urge Burmese (Myanmar) security forces to work with the elected government in implementing the Rakhine Commission’s recommendations,” the White House press secretary said in a statement a copy of which obtained by UNB. The US welcomed the Myanmar government’s commitment to ensure that humanitarian assistance reaches victims as quickly as possible.
They urged the Myanmar government to allow media access to the afflicted areas as soon as possible. “Most of those displaced by the violence have fled into neighbouring Bangladesh and we greatly appreciate the significant efforts of the government of Bangladesh to facilitate humanitarian assistance.”
The United States said it is deeply troubled by the ongoing crisis in northern Rakhine State in Burma, where at least 370,000 people have fled their homes in the wake of attacks on Burmese security posts on August 25.
“We reiterate our condemnation of those attacks and ensuing violence,” said the press secretary.
The massive displacement and victimisation of people, including large numbers of the ethnic Rohingya community and other minorities, shows that Myanmar security forces are not protecting civilians.
“We’re alarmed by the allegations of human rights abuses, including extrajudicial killings, burning of villages, massacres, and rape, by security forces and by civilians acting with these forces’ consent,” the statement added.
