Human Rights Watch (HRW) have demanded that the Burmese government take immediate action to stop sectarian violence against the Rohingya Muslim population in the Arakan state.
HRW has obtained satellite imagery which shows extensive destruction of homes and properties in a predominantly Rohingya Muslim populated coastal town.
The Burmese government needs to ensure aid and protection for Rohingyas and Arakanese in the Western state, HRW said.
Deputy Asia director at HRW, Phil Robertson said:
“Burma’s government urgently needs to provide security for the Rohingya in Arakan State, who are under vicious attack,”
“Unless the authorities also start addressing the root causes of the violence, it is only likely to get worse.”
“Deploying sufficient security forces to restore order impartially and protect basic rights in Arakan State is necessary, but not enough,”
“Burmese government officials and opposition leaders need to condemn the violence and work for lasting solutions to Arakan’s ethnic problems.”
See here for full HRW press release.
