The United States has said the Burmese military must respect human rights and fundamental freedoms and those who have been accused of committing abuses should be removed from command responsibilities immediately and prosecuted for wrongdoing.
‘And any country that is currently providing weapons to the Burmese military should suspend these activities until sufficient accountability measures are in place,’ said Nikki Haley, US Permanent Representative to UN while delivering speech at UN Security Council briefing recently.
The envoy said Burmese authorities must immediately allow rapid, safe, and unhindered humanitarian access for UN agencies and other relief organisations.
‘We have noted the government’s decision to work with the International Red Cross to distribute aid. But the government has not allowed other relief organisations meaningful access to the northern Rakhine State. If the Burmese authorities are sincere about wanting those displaced to come home, why would they not want food and treatment to get to them?’ said the US diplomat.
Nikki Haley said the Myanmar government must commit to welcoming all who have been displaced to return to their original homes.
‘We were glad to see the commitment made by the State Counselor during her State of the Union address to allow those who fled the violence to voluntarily return to their homes when it is safe to do so. We will all watch to see if the government follows through on this pledge,’ said the US envoy.
Nikki Haley called on Burmese officials to work with the government of Bangladesh to develop a framework on returns that is agreed to by both governments and has international support.
‘We have seen the generosity of the Bangladeshi government in accepting and sheltering Burmese refugees,’ the envoy mentioned.
The United States is providing $95 million to support urgent humanitarian needs in Burma and Bangladesh.
‘But given the likelihood of more people fleeing across the border, plus the ongoing monsoon season and the humanitarian need already present in Bangladesh, this generosity will not be enough.’
The New Age
