UN calls for end to Myanmar conflict on seventh anniversary of Rohingya refugee crisis

Sunday marks the seventh anniversary of the mass displacement of Rohingya and other community groups due to the conflict in Myanmar's Rakhine state. In a statement issued by his spokesman, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called on all parties to the conflict in Myanmar to stop violence and move forward with an inclusive Myanmar-led process.

The Muslim Rohingya minority in Myanmar's western Rakhine state has long suffered discrimination and persecution. On 25 August 2017, Myanmar security forces launched a "clearance operation" against Rohingya in northern Rakhine State, causing more than 700,000 Rohingya to flee across the border in a short period of time and take refuge in Bangladesh.

In the midst of the ongoing Rohingya crisis, a military coup on February 1, 2021 toppled the democratically elected government led by Aung SAN Suu Kyi, plunging Myanmar into a deeper political, social, economic and humanitarian crisis. Guterres said in a statement on Friday that about 1 million Rohingya are currently sheltering in Bangladesh, while more than 130,000 people in the region see no immediate prospect of returning home.

The critical security and humanitarian situation and continuing access challenges have exacerbated the pre-existing vulnerability of the people of Myanmar, including the Rohingya. As the armed conflict in Rakhine State escalates, they continue to face discrimination and persecution.

Guterres called on all parties to the conflict in Myanmar to end violence and protect civilians in accordance with international human rights standards and international humanitarian law.

He reiterated his call to strengthen regional protection efforts, provide assistance to conflict-affected communities, and further support for host countries hosting refugees, including through the Rohingya Humanitarian Crisis 2024 Joint Response Plan in Bangladesh.

The Secretary-General's Special Envoy for Myanmar is engaging with all stakeholders, including regional actors, to advance an inclusive Myanmar-led process towards sustainable peace and national reconciliation, the statement said. This process is critical to creating conditions conducive to the voluntary, safe, dignified and sustainable return of the Rohingya to Myanmar.