On Monday the top UN body called on Myanmar to rein in military operations that have pushed more than 600,000 Rohingya into Bangladesh since late August, sparking a dire humanitarian crisis. The statement expressed "grave concern" over rights violations such as killing, sexual violence and torching of homes and property, "including by the Myanmar security forces". Other UN agencies have previously described the army crackdown, which Myanmar says is targeting Rohingya rebels, as tantamount to ethnic cleansing. Diplomats said the UN security council statement, which fell short of a full resolution, was watered down to secure backing from Beijing. Rights groups have accused the UN body of dragging its feet over the Rohingya crisis and called for sanctions against those involved in the atrocities.

Source: The Nation Bangkok November 08, 2017 05:03 UTC