The United Nations Human Rights Chief, Volker Türk, has issued a stark warning regarding the escalating violence in Myanmar's Rakhine State. Türk highlighted the precarious situation facing civilians amidst heightened clashes between the military and the Arakan Army, coupled with rising tensions between Rohingya and ethnic Rakhine communities.

According to Türk, "intensified fighting in Rakhine State between the military and the Arakan Army, alongside tensions being fueled between the Rohingya and ethnic Rakhine communities, pose a grave threat to the civilian population." He emphasized the risk of past atrocities being repeated and expressed deep concern over the plight of civilians caught in the crossfire.

Türk also referenced the exodus of Rohingya in 2017, stating that "about 750,000 Rohingyas fled genocidal acts by the Myanmar military, putting a huge burden on Bangladesh which has been sheltering about 300,000 Rohingyas who had fled violence in the Rakhine State in the earlier years since the 1990s." He noted that despite attempts at repatriation over the past five years, the situation remains unresolved.

The breakdown of an informal ceasefire last November has further exacerbated the crisis, with Türk stating that "since the year-long informal ceasefire between the two sides broke down last November, 15 of Rakhine's 17 townships have been affected by the fighting, resulting in hundreds of deaths and injuries, and taking the number of displaced to well over 300,000."

Expressing concern for the safety of Rohingya civilians, Türk emphasized that "Rakhine state has once again become a battleground involving multiple actors, and civilians are paying a heavy price, with Rohingya at particular risk." He warned against allowing the Rohingya to be targeted again and urged swift action to protect civilians.

As the conflict intensifies, Türk highlighted reports of forced conscription of Rohingya into military ranks and retaliatory attacks by ethnic Rakhine villagers. He also raised concerns about the dissemination of disinformation and propaganda, urging verification of all reports received.

In light of the escalating crisis, Türk called on countries with influence to act swiftly to protect civilians and prevent further persecution of the Rohingya. He stressed the importance of averting a repeat of past atrocities and emphasized the urgent need for international intervention to address the humanitarian crisis in Myanmar's Rakhine State.

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