OIC Expresses Concern, Calls For End Of Violence In Rakhine

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 23 (Bernama) -- The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) newly elected Secretary-General Dr Yousef A. Al-Othaimeen on Wednesday called for an immediate cessation of violence in Rakhine State, Myanmar as the situation deteriorates in the area. In a statement, Al-Othaimeen urged the authorities to ensure security services act in full compliance with the rule of law, and to allow humanitarian aid agencies access to the affected region. He also called upon the Government of Myanmar to abide by its obligations under the international law and human rights covenants, and take concrete steps to prevent further deterioration of the crisis in Rakhine state. "Reports have been received of serious human rights violations against innocent Rohingya civilians including torture, rape and summary executions," Al-Othaimeen said. Expressing grave concern on the deteriorating situation following the ongoing security operation in Rakhine state, the 57-member organisation of muslim nations said that the destruction of homes and mosques has forced tens of thousands to flee their villages. "The subsequent blockade in the region has also left many in the area with acute shortage of food, water and other essentials," the OIC said. The latest tension in the region, which was sparked by attacks on three border posts on Oct 9 that killed nine police officers, saw more than 100 people killed by the military in its counterinsurgency operations, reports said. According to the United Nations, up to 30,000 people have been displaced by violence in Rakhine State, half of which occurred during last week, the most serious since hundreds were killed in communal clashes in 2012. Meanwhile, analysis of satellite images from Human Rights Watch released Monday showed that more than 1,000 houses in Rohingya villages have been razed in northwestern Myanmar. -- BERNAMA