Secretary-General Deeply Concerned by Increasing Violence across Myanmar

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General António Guterres:

The Secretary-General is deeply concerned by the increasing violence across Myanmar and strongly condemns the recent attacks by the Myanmar military that have reportedly killed scores of civilians, including in Rakhine State and Sagaing Region.  The latest incident targeting ethnic Rakhine in western Myanmar, and the ongoing persecution of the Rohingya, underlines the need for protection of all communities.  Indiscriminate aerial bombings and human rights violations continue to be reported in many parts of the country.  Those responsible must be held to account.

The Secretary-General calls on all parties to the conflict to exercise maximum restraint, prioritize protection of civilians in accordance with international humanitarian law and prevent further incitement of communal tension and violence.

The Secretary-General is deeply concerned about the widening regional ramifications of the deteriorating situation in Myanmar and reiterates his appeal for a unified approach.

The Secretary-General urges Member States and all stakeholders to engage and support his Special Envoy, Julie Bishop, in her efforts to alleviate the suffering and help build an inclusive Myanmar-led process towards sustainable peace, including through close cooperation with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and neighbouring countries.