Note to
Correspondents: Statement by Adama Dieng, United Nations Special Adviser on the
Prevention of Genocide on the situation in northern Rakhine State, Myanmar
New York, 29 November 2016 – The United Nations Special
Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide, Adama Dieng, expressed alarm at reports
of the deteriorating security, human rights and humanitarian situation in
northern Rakhine State, Myanmar. Following attacks by armed assailants against
border security posts in October 2016, the response of the military has
reportedly been characterized by excessive use of force and other serious human
rights violations against civilian population, particularly the Rohingya Muslim
population, including allegations of extrajudicial executions, torture, rape
and the destruction of religious property. “These allegations must be verified
as a matter of urgency”, stated Adama Dieng. “If they are true, the lives of
thousands of people are at risk. The reputation of Myanmar, its new Government
and its military forces is also at stake in this matter.”
The Special Adviser stressed that “the current restrictions
on access to northern Rakhine State, which prevent verification of the
allegations, are contributing to suspicion and alarm. Denying the allegations
without allowing for their verification is counterproductive.” Mr. Dieng urged
the Myanmar Government and the military to heed requests by the United Nations
– and many others around the world – to authorise access and an immediate and
thorough independent investigation into incidents reported in northern Rakhine
state since October 2016. “If the allegations are found to be true, the
Government must take immediate steps to stop them, prevent further violations
and remedy the situation. Those found responsible for human rights violations
must be punished. Failure to do so will only increase the risk of very serious
international crimes that Myanmar has an obligation to prevent and punish under
international law.”
Adama Dieng reminded the new Government of Myanmar of the
trust placed in the Government by the international community as Myanmar
transitions to democracy, noting that there have been significant steps forward
in that regard. However, the Special Adviser underlined that “Myanmar needs to
demonstrate its commitment to the rule of law and to the human rights of all
its populations. It cannot expect that such serious allegations are ignored or
go unscrutinised. Wherever and whenever these types of allegations are reported
in the world, it is the duty of the international community to remind States of
their responsibilities to their populations and their obligations under
international law. Myanmar is no exception.”
Adama Dieng also took the opportunity to urge the Government
of Bangladesh not to close its borders to refugees fleeing Myanmar. “Closing
the border, deporting refugees or failing to provide assistance, exposes these
populations to further violence that could, in the worst case, constitute
international crimes”, the Special Adviser warned.
Adama Dieng concluded by saying that “the current violence
did not come out of thin air. It is taking place against a background of very
deeply rooted discrimination against specific sectors of the population and a
failure to put in place conditions that would support peaceful coexistence
among the different communities in Rakhine State. The Government needs, for once and for all,
to find a sustainable solution to the situation of the Rohingya Muslims and
other religious and ethnic minorities in Myanmar, a solution that is in full
compliance with the international human rights standards that the Government
has pledged to respect”.