UNITED NATIONS, UNITED STATES: The United States said on Monday (Tuesday in Manila) it had found evidence of systematic violence by Myanmar’s military against the Rohingya minority, including widespread killings and rape. The State Department released the report just as the United States announced $185 million in new funding for Rohingya refugees during a meeting at the United Nations on Myanmar. US Ambassador Nikki Haley announced the $185 million for food, water, health care and other critical aid to the refugees, even as the United States dramatically scales back its admission of refugees. The violence in Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, was unleashed soon after the country transitioned to democracy, undermining what Western governments had hailed as a triumph of engagement. More than 700,000 Rohingya have taken refuge in Bangladesh, fearful of returning to Myanmar despite a repatriation deal between the two countries.

Source: Manila Times September 25, 2018 16:18 UTC