UN chief decries violence in Myanmar as 25 Rohingya killed in airstrikes

TRTWORLD
19 March 2024 

Myanmar's military is increasingly using airstrikes to counter the widespread armed struggle against its rule since its seized power from the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi in February 2021. 

Reuters Archive

Soldiers stand next to military vehicles as people gather to protest against the military coup, in Yangon, Myanmar. / Photo: Reuters Archive

Military airstrikes in western Myanmar killed at least 25 members of the country’s Muslim Rohingya minority, including children, local media reported, prompting the UN chief to express concerns over the escalating violence.

Saudi foreign minister, UN chief discuss situation in Gaza

ARAB NEWS
December 07, 2023 

RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan discussed on Wednesday the situation in Gaza with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, the Kingdom’s Foreign Ministry said.

‘Unacceptable’ violence, intimidation and harassment in Myanmar – UN chief

UN News
Peace and Security
14 February 2021

Unsplash/Alexander Schimmeck ,Dusk approaches in Yangon, Myanmar. 

An increased use of force and the reported deployment of armoured vehicles to major cities throughout Myanmar have sparked the deep concern of UN Secretary-General António Guterres. 

 

In a statement issued on Sunday by his spokesman, Stéphane Dujarric, the UN chief called on the military and police of Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, to ensure that the right of peaceful assembly is “fully respected” and demonstrators are “not subjected to reprisals”.

“Reports of continued violence, intimidation and harassment by security personnel are unacceptable”, he spelled out.

The unfolding situation follows a military takeover on 1 February.

The UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, Thomas Andrews, tweeted, “it’s as if the generals have declared war on the people of Myanmar: late night raids; mounting arrests; more rights stripped away’ another Intrnet shutdown; military convoys entering communities”.

“These are signs of desperation. Attention generals: You WILL be held accountable”, he underscored.

UN chief hopes Myanmar elections to help return of persecuted Rohingya Muslims refugees

Associated Press of Pakistan
Sat, 7 Nov 2020

General Assembly Seventy-third session Informal Briefing by the Secretary-General on his Priorities for 2019

UNITED NATIONS, Nov 07 (APP): UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed hope that the November 8 general elections in Myanmar would open the door for the return of hundreds of thousands of Rohingya Muslim refugees “in safety and dignity.”

In a statement issued here on Friday, he also hoped that the elections would help “advance inclusive sustainable development, humanitarian action, human rights and democratic reforms.”