UN demands end to violence in Myanmar's Rakhine

The UN Security Council on Wednesday expressed "deep concern" over the situation in Rakhine State of Myanmar and called for an end to violence against the Rohingya, a Muslim ethnic minority group in the country.

"The members of the Security Council expressed deep concern about the situation in Rhakine State. Acknowledging the initial attack (by Rohingyas) on Myanmar security forces on Aug. 25, they condemned the subsequent violence (by Myanmar security forces), which has led to over 370,000 people being displaced," said Tekeda Alemu, President of the Security Council, in a readout of the council's agreement following closed-door consultations on Wednesday.

"They expressed concern about reports of excessive violence during the security operations and called for immediate steps to end the violence in Rhakine, de-escalate the situation, re-establish law and order, ensure the protection of civilians, restore normal socio-economic conditions and resolve the refugee problem."

Earlier Wednesday, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described the situation in Rakhine state in western coast of Myanmar as "catastrophic." The number of refugees fleeing into Bangladesh has tripled since last week, reaching nearly 380,000.

They called on the Myanmar government to fulfil its commitments to providing assistance to refugees without discrimination and facilitate humanitarian assistance to those in need and to ensure the protection and safety of humanitarian workers.

The council members also encouraged dialogue among the states concerned and agreed on the importance of a long-term solution to the problem in Rhakine.