Acting UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Myanmar Knut Ostby has called for calm and utmost restraint by all, protection of civilians under all circumstances, and respect for international humanitarian and human rights law in Rakhine.
Ostby is following with concern the recent reports of escalation of violence and civilian casualties in Rakhine.
“The UN stands ready to support authorities in strengthening their prevention and conflict resolution capacities, and to continue with provision of humanitarian aid,” said Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres, during regular briefing at the UN headquarters on Friday.
Meanwhile, UN Assistant Secretary-General (UNASG) for Humanitarian Affairs and Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator Ursula Mueller will visit Myanmar from May 9-15.
This will be her second visit to Myanmar in her current capacity. She will be in Yangon, Naypyitaw, as well as the camps in Kachin and Rakhine states.
She will see firsthand the humanitarian situations and the impact of the ongoing conflict, and she is expected to discuss solutions for the displaced and vulnerable people in these areas, along with how to improve the humanitarian response, said Dujarric. Mueller is expected to meet people affected by humanitarian crises, senior government officials and of course their humanitarian partners.
Before being in Myanmar, she will travel to Jakarta, Indonesia, to attend the ASEAN-UN Committee of Permanent Representatives and Secretariat to Secretariat meetings. She will meet Indonesian government officials there.
