Türk Urges Action as Myanmar Crisis Escalates, Rohingya Civilians Trapped in Violent Conflict

“Thousands of Rohingya have been forced to flee on foot, with the Arakan Army herding them repeatedly into locations that offer scant safe haven,” Türk stated.

UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk has expressed deep alarm over the rapidly worsening situation in Myanmar, particularly in Rakhine State, where hundreds of civilians, including many Rohingya, have reportedly been killed while attempting to flee ongoing violence.

Over the past four months, tens of thousands of people have fled a significant offensive by the Arakan Army aimed at seizing control of Buthidaung and Maungdaw towns from the military. In one of the deadliest incidents along the Naf River on 5 August, dozens were reportedly killed, with armed drones believed to be involved, though it remains unclear which side was responsible.

“Thousands of Rohingya have been forced to flee on foot, with the Arakan Army herding them repeatedly into locations that offer scant safe haven,” Türk stated. He emphasized that with the border crossings to Bangladesh closed, the Rohingya are trapped between the military and the Arakan Army, with no safe route to escape.

Despite numerous warnings and calls for action, the ongoing violence highlights the severe challenges in protecting civilians in accordance with international law. Türk remarked, “This month marks seven years since the military operations drove 700,000 across the border into Bangladesh. Despite the world saying ‘never again,’ we are witnessing a repeat of killings, destruction, and displacement in Rakhine.”

The UN Human Rights Office has documented serious violations and abuses by both the military and the Arakan Army against the Rohingya. These include extrajudicial killings, abductions, forced recruitment, indiscriminate bombardments, and arson attacks. These actions starkly contrast with the obligations of all parties under international humanitarian law and the International Court of Justice's provisional measures to protect the Rohingya.

Reports indicate that increasing numbers of Rohingya, nearly half of whom are children, are seeking help for conflict-related injuries. There have also been reports of deaths from diarrhoea due to a lack of access to clean water and dire living conditions. Vital food supplies have been attacked and destroyed, and hospitals in Buthidaung and Maungdaw have closed due to the violence, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis amidst a telecommunications shutdown.

“Both the military and the Arakan Army bear direct responsibility for the human tragedy unfolding in Rakhine,” Türk asserted. He called for an immediate cessation of attacks on civilians, protection for those fleeing the conflict, and unrestricted access to humanitarian aid.

“These atrocities demand an unequivocal response. Those responsible must be held accountable, and justice must be pursued relentlessly,” Türk said. He urged the international community, particularly ASEAN, to take all necessary measures to protect the Rohingya and other civilians caught in this brutal conflict.