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Burma violence: UN calls for Rohingya deaths inquiry | Burma violence: UN calls for Rohingya deaths inquiry |
(about 3 hours later) | |
The UN human rights chief has called on Burma to investigate reports that dozens of Rohingya Muslims have been killed in attacks by Buddhists in Rakhine state. | The UN human rights chief has called on Burma to investigate reports that dozens of Rohingya Muslims have been killed in attacks by Buddhists in Rakhine state. |
In a statement, Navi Pillay said a "full, prompt and impartial investigation" was needed. | In a statement, Navi Pillay said a "full, prompt and impartial investigation" was needed. |
The UN had "credible information" that 48 Rohingya Muslims had been killed in violence in early January. | The UN had "credible information" that 48 Rohingya Muslims had been killed in violence in early January. |
The government, however, has rejected the claims as groundless. | |
In a statement sent to the BBC, presidential spokesman Ye Htut said the UN was not listening to its own staff on ground and was damaging its reputation in Rakhine state. | |
Rakhine state - in the west of Burma, which is also known as Myanmar - has seen several outbreaks of violence targeting the Rohingya Muslims since June 2012. | Rakhine state - in the west of Burma, which is also known as Myanmar - has seen several outbreaks of violence targeting the Rohingya Muslims since June 2012. |
'Receive justice' | 'Receive justice' |
In the statement, the UN said eight Rohingya Muslim men were attacked at Du Char Yar Tan village on 9 January. | In the statement, the UN said eight Rohingya Muslim men were attacked at Du Char Yar Tan village on 9 January. |
On 13 January, a police official was killed in the same village by Rohingya Muslims. | On 13 January, a police official was killed in the same village by Rohingya Muslims. |
This triggered the killings of at least 40 Rohingya men, women and children by local security forces and Rakhine people, the UN statement added. | This triggered the killings of at least 40 Rohingya men, women and children by local security forces and Rakhine people, the UN statement added. |
The government statement only acknowledged the death of the police sergeant. | |
"I deplore the loss of life ... and call on the authorities to carry out a full, prompt and impartial investigation and ensure that victims and their families receive justice,'' Ms Pillay said. | "I deplore the loss of life ... and call on the authorities to carry out a full, prompt and impartial investigation and ensure that victims and their families receive justice,'' Ms Pillay said. |
"By responding to these incidents quickly and decisively, the government has an opportunity to show transparency and accountability, which will strengthen democracy and the rule of law in Myanmar.'' | "By responding to these incidents quickly and decisively, the government has an opportunity to show transparency and accountability, which will strengthen democracy and the rule of law in Myanmar.'' |
The Rohingya people are considered stateless and are rejected by both Burma and neighbouring Bangladesh. | The Rohingya people are considered stateless and are rejected by both Burma and neighbouring Bangladesh. |
At least 200 people were killed in fierce clashes between Buddhist and Muslim communities in Rakhine state in 2012. | At least 200 people were killed in fierce clashes between Buddhist and Muslim communities in Rakhine state in 2012. |
Tens of thousands of Rohingya Muslims remain displaced in the wake of that violence, many still living in camps. | Tens of thousands of Rohingya Muslims remain displaced in the wake of that violence, many still living in camps. |
Sporadic outbreaks of anti-Muslim violence continued throughout 2013 in other parts of Burma as well. | Sporadic outbreaks of anti-Muslim violence continued throughout 2013 in other parts of Burma as well. |