“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. 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. “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.”

Source: The Nation Bangkok August 25, 2017 16:07 UTC