UN calls for end to violence in Myanmar on 7th anniversary of mass expulsion of Rohingya

The UN has called on parties to the conflict in Myanmar (formerly Burma) to stop violence and protect civilians as it marks the seventh anniversary of the mass forced displacement of the Rohingya minority to Bangladesh.

In his statement, Guterres warned of a “grave humanitarian and security situation” in Burma’s Rakhine state due to escalating fighting between the army and the Arakan Army (AA), an armed ethnic rebel group targeting the Rohingya Muslim minority.

“August 25 marks seven years since the mass forced displacement of the Rohingya and other communities from Myanmar’s Rakhine State. Nearly one million Rohingya are currently sheltering in Bangladesh and more than 130,000 across the region, with no immediate prospect of return,” the note reads.