Increased risk of violence against Rohingya – British government must act!

Dear friend

Anti Rohingya tensions are on the rise in Rakhine State, and there are fears there could be a new large-scale outbreak of violence against the Rohingya.

The British government must use its position at the United Nations Security Council to call on the government and military in Burma to reduce tensions to avoid more bloodshed.

For months now there have been unsolved murders of both ethnic Rohingya and ethnic Rakhine. The government is blaming Rohingya 'insurgents'.

Government social media and state run newspapers have been full of stories about insurgents killing people and alleged terrorist camps being discovered. They have published pictures showing UN aid biscuits were found in one of these alleged camps, knowingly fuelling unfounded rumours that the UN is helping alleged terrorists. Now the UN has had to warn its staff of possible violence against them.

As well as the government whipping up fears and tensions, local politicians and nationalists are doing the same. The military is sending more soldiers to Rakhine State.

Unless action is taken to diffuse tensions, another large scale outbreak of violence is possible.

The United Nations Security Council is the most powerful international body in the world, and Britain leads on Burma at the Security Council.

Ask British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson to request a meeting on Burma at the UN Security Council, seeking a statement calling on the government and on the military in Burma to defuse tensions and respect international law.

Thank you for your support.

Mark Farmaner
Burma Campaign UK