New Delhi: The spokesperson for United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres said in a statement that Guterres expressed his deep concern about the escalating conflict in Myanmar, which has resulted in the displacement of thousands of civilians and the exacerbation of pre-existing vulnerabilities and discrimination.
The Secretary-General, the statement added, condemned all forms of violence and called for the protection of civilians, including aid workers, in accordance with international humanitarian law. He also called for the cessation of hostilities and humanitarian access in all affected areas.
The expansion of the conflict in the Rakhine State is having a destabilizing impact on the region and exacerbating existing tensions, the statement said, quoting Guterres.
The Secretary-General also expressed alarm about the reports of ongoing airstrikes by the military, including the one in Minbya township that reportedly killed and injured many civilians. He called on all parties to refrain from further incitement of communal tensions and to ensure the protection of civilians and humanitarian workers.