Rakhine attacks a dangerous escalation in Myanmar violence

“These attacks are a dangerous escalation in violence and could put ordinary people in Rakhine State at risk, in particular as tensions have been reaching a boiling point in the region recently, said Josef Benedict, the human-rights organisation’s deputy campaigns director for Southeast Asia and the Pacific.
“We urge all sides to show the utmost restraint and ensure that ordinary people are protected from human rights violations and abuses.”
A commission led by former United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan on Thursday urged the Myanmar government to implement 88 recommendations to address human-rights violations, statelessness, and profound discrimination against Muslim Rohingyas, though it did not mention them by name. Northern Rakhine State could become fertile ground for radicalisation unless the government changes its approach to Muslims living there, the report warned.
“The investigation into these criminal acts must be prompt, thorough and effective, and comply with international human rights standards,” said Benedict in response to the militant’s killings. Any prosecutions must respect fair trial rights and not result in the death penalty, he said.
“This cannot lead to repeat of last year’s vicious military reprisals responding to a similar attack, when security forces tortured, killed and raped Rohingya people and burned down whole villages. Although the government has an obligation to protect people, this cannot be seen as giving the army a blank cheque to commit atrocities against parts of the population.
Benedict referred to the August 24 findings of the Annan commission.
“It is crucial that the government makes every effort to address the long-standing and systematic discrimination in Rakhine State, which has left people trapped in a cycle of violence and destitution. As a first step, authorities must push forward with implementing recommendations outlined in the recent report by the Advisory Commission on Rakhine State.”