AS DELIVERED

The United States expresses our support and gratitude to Dr. Yanghee Lee for her reporting on the situation of human rights in Myanmar.

We are outraged by reports of ongoing violence against the Rohingya community, reportedly perpetrated by the Burmese security forces and vigilante groups acting in concert with them. There are credible reports that the destruction of Rohingya villages in Rakhine State is well-organized, coordinated, and systematic and is intended to drive out prevent Rohingya from returning to their homes. Today, remaining Rohingya communities are reportedly being intentionally “starved out.” This is unacceptable.

We again call on the Burmese authorities to end the violence, provide unhindered access to the areas, and ensure accountability for those responsible for human rights violations.

We are also deeply concerned reports of security forces committing human rights violations in Kachin and Shan States. Peace cannot be built on abuse and impunity.

Our question for the Special Rapporteur today is: What is your view of the root causes of the crisis in the Rakhine State, and how can the international community support Burmese efforts to address these root causes?

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