Over the past week, conditions in Burma’s Rakhine State have continued to deteriorate. Since the so-called Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) attacked police posts around the state, UNHCR estimates 270,000 people have crossed the border into Bangladesh. While the Government of Bangladesh is accommodating many displaced Rohingya, significant numbers of civilians are stranded along the border waiting for much-needed relief, while other communities in Rakhine have become internally displaced.

“We welcome the Burmese government committing humanitarian assistance to all displaced by violence. However, we will continue to urge them to make sure this aid actually reaches those in need, as quickly as possible, and that it is delivered in a manner that protects their rights and dignity,” said Ambassador Haley.

The United States remains deeply troubled by continued reports of attacks against innocent civilians and will continue to urge Burmese security forces to respect those civilians as it conducts security operations. Attacks on civilians will only further the violence on the ground and prevent any hope for long-term solutions – including the rapid implementation of the Annan Commission’s recommendations – that will benefit all communities in Rakhine State.

###