European Parliament calls on Myanmar to end "brutal repression" against Rohingya
A resolution approved yesterday says Myanmar must "as a matter of urgency ensure free and unimpeded access" for the United Nations and rights groups in Rakhine State. It also condemns “unequivocally all incitement to racial or religious hatred”.
Strasbourg (AsiaNews/Agencies) – The European Parliament has urged Myanmar to end its "brutal repression" and "systematic persecution" against the country's Rohingya Muslim minority.
In a resolution adopted yesterday, European lawmakers expressed "deep concern" about the fate of the stateless ethno-religious group, which they say is "one of the world's most persecuted minorities".
The parliament notes that Myanmar must "as a matter of urgency ensure free and unimpeded access" for the United Nations and rights groups in Rakhine State, where some 120,000 Rohingya remain in more than 80 internal displacement camp.
Myanmar should "condemn unequivocally all incitement to racial or religious hatred and implement specific measures and policies to prevent direct and indirect discrimination against the Rohingya in the future".
Muslim Rohingya are not considered Myanmar citizens and are unwanted by neighbouring countries.
In May, Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi insisted that her new government was determined to address the issue. However, she has refused to use the term Rohingya, which she said only risks inflaming tensions with ultra-nationalist Buddhists.
A recent UN report expressed concern about the Rohingya, citing denial of citizenship, forced labour and sexual assault.
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has also warned that the Rohingya may be victims of crimes against humanity.
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