Give access to aid organisations, UN urges Myanmar

United Nations, Feb 28 (UNI) A United Nations human rights expert has urged authorities in Myanmar to grant aid groups immediate access to affected civilians.

While making the appeal, the official expressed concern about the humanitarian and human rights implications of rising hostilities between government forces and rebels in southeastern Kayin state in the country.

Paulo Sergio Pinheiro, the special rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, said in a statement that ''humanitarian assistance should not be made hostage of politics,'' but rather it ''must only be guided by the best interests of the affected communities.'' Mr Pinheiro made his recommendations after hearing testimonies of villagers, who had fled fighting in Toungoo District and Eastern Bago Division. These people, who had already been forced to leave their homes on several occasions, confirmed allegations the special rapporteur had heard last year of human rights violations and lack of humanitarian assistance in these areas.

He called on the government to immediately grant access to and guarantee the safety and freedom of movement to the United Nations, as well as other aid workers, as these groups seek to assist those in need.

''It would be a terrible mistake to wait for the political normalisation of Myanmar to help and to empower the affected communities and their representatives,'' the Special Rapporteur said.

In Kayin State, also known as Karen State, Myanmar's military has continued counterinsurgency operations against civilians, driving thousands of ethnic minorities out of their homes. Over 100,000 refugees from this region have fled to border camps in Thailand, where some have lived for over 20 years.

UNI