London – BHRN’s Findings on Suffering in Northern Rakhine State Reinforced by UN Investigator. The Burma Human Rights Network has documented evidence which corroborates statements made on October 24th, 2018 by the chair of the UN fact-finding mission on Myanmar, Markuzi Darusman, who stated that those Rohingya who remain inside of Burma face severe restrictions and repression in what he described as an ongoing genocide. The remarks were made during a press conference in New York City ahead of the UN Security Council briefing. BHRN has spoken to villagers inside of Northern Rakhine State who complain of severe travel restrictions, lack of food and medical aid, and children suffering from dehydration.

“It is imperative that the international community takes these findings seriously as the Rohingya who remain inside of Rakhine State continue to suffer. While media attention on Rakhine State has dwindled, the military’s campaign continues through other means. Those who are killed by restrictions on movement, food, and medicine should be no less worrying than those who are killed by bullets and knives. As such, action by the international community is long overdue,” said BHRN Executive Director, Kyaw Win.

The Rohingya who remained in Northern Rakhine State face severe travel restrictions which prohibit them from leaving their villages. BHRN has received multiple reports of villages not receiving aid due to restrictions or the remote nature of their location. As a result, many of these villages are complaining of health issues, especially among children or those with pre-existing illnesses like hepatitis. During the rainy season, children were often reported sick with flu or diarrhea, which put them at greater risk of dehydration which can be life threatening for small children. BHRN has received reports of hepatitis patients being unable to obtain life-sustaining medicine, with some fleeing to Bangladesh for treatment.

If conditions in Northern Rakhine State remain as they are now it will risk the lives of the Rohingya living there, particularly the elderly and very young. While evaluating how to move forward in Rakhine State, the international community must take these Rohingya into account and insist upon their protection, rights, and well being. The Burmese Government must give unhindered and unimpeded access for NGOs operating in the region and grant the Rohingya all basic human rights including freedom of movement.

Background on the Burma Human Rights Network (BHRN)
BHRN is based in London and operates across Burma/Myanmar working for human rights, minority rights and religious freedom in the country. BHRN has played a crucial role in advocating for human rights and religious freedom with politicians and world leaders.

Media Enquiries
Please contact:

Kyaw Win
Executive Director
Burma Human Rights Network (BHRN)
E:[email protected]
T: +44(0) 740 345 2378