UN Rights Chief Voices Alarm Over Myanmar's Rohingya Plight Amid Fighting

The UN's human rights chief has expressed deep concern over the recent violence in Myanmar, particularly affecting the Rohingya ethnic minority. Volker Türk highlighted the deteriorating situation in Rakhine State, where many civilians have reportedly been killed while fleeing the conflict.

According to a statement from the Geneva office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, both the military and the Arakan Army have committed severe human rights violations against the Rohingya. These include extrajudicial killings, abductions, forced recruitment, and indiscriminate bombardments using drones and artillery.

Rohingya Caught in Conflict

Amnesty International has noted that recent attacks on the Rohingya resemble the atrocities of August 2017. Joe Freeman, a researcher for Myanmar at Amnesty International, stated, "Rohingya civilians are now caught in the middle of intensifying conflict in Rakhine State." He also mentioned that the Myanmar military has forcibly conscripted Rohingya to fight on its side.

Human Rights Watch has also raised alarms about the violence in Rakhine. Elaine Pearson, Asia director for the group, said, "Both sides are using hate speech, attacks on civilians, and massive arson to drive people from their homes and villages, raising the spectre of ethnic cleansing."

Historical Context

The Rohingya have faced widespread prejudice and are generally denied citizenship and other basic rights in Myanmar. Many have lived in Myanmar for generations but continue to suffer discrimination in the Buddhist-majority country.

In 2017, a military counter-insurgency campaign forced at least 740,000 Rohingya to flee to Bangladesh. Most remain there in overcrowded refugee camps due to ongoing instability in Myanmar. International courts are investigating whether these actions constituted genocide.

Recent Attacks

A joint statement from Rohingya support groups estimated that at least 200 Rohingya were killed on August 5 in what they termed "the Naf River Massacre." The statement blamed the Arakan Army for these deaths and called for international protection and humanitarian assistance for those still trapped in Maungdaw.

The Associated Press reported that at least 150 Rohingya might have been killed by artillery and drone attacks along the Naf River bordering Bangladesh. Survivors believe these attacks were carried out by the Arakan Army, although the group has denied responsibility.

International Response

"Despite the world saying never again we are once more witnessing killings, destruction and displacement in Rakhine," said Volker Türk's statement. The UN's human rights chief emphasised that both sides have committed serious abuses against the Rohingya.

Pro-democracy guerrillas and ethnic minority armed forces, including the Arakan Army, have been fighting to oust Myanmar's military rulers since they seized power from Aung San Suu Kyi's elected government in 2021. However, this conflict has raised fears of renewed organised violence against the Rohingya minority.

The Rohingya remaining in Maungdaw are caught in intense fighting and urgently need international protection and humanitarian aid. More than 100 activist groups endorsed a statement calling for immediate assistance.

Joe Freeman urged Myanmar's military to "immediately end their renewed campaign of violence and refrain from unlawful attacks on civilians." The situation remains dire as both sides continue their violent campaigns.