Pillay calls for killings in northern Rakhine State to be investigated

GENEVA (23 January 2014) – UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay on Thursday urged the Government of Myanmar to investigate credible reports of two serious incidents in the northern Rakhine State village of Du Chee Yar Tan between 9 and 13 January, in which more than 40 Rohingya Muslims were reportedly killed.

“I deplore the loss of life in Du Chee Yar Tan and call on the authorities to carry out a full, prompt and impartial investigation, and ensure that victims and their families receive justice. My Office stands ready to support this process.”

The United Nations has received credible information that, on 9 January, eight Rohingya Muslim men were attacked and killed in Du Chee Yar Tan village by local Rakhine. This was followed by a clash on 13 January in the same village in which a police sergeant was captured and killed by the Rohingya villagers. Following this, on the same evening at least 40 Rohingya Muslim men, women and children were killed in Du Chee Yar Tan village by police and local Rakhine. The information received by the United Nations has been shared with the Government.

“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 High Commissioner said.

There have also been reports that 10 Rohingya men from the village have been detained and there are concerns for their treatment in detention. “In the meantime, I urge the Government to ensure that the rights of anyone detained are fully respected,” Pillay added. “I also encourage the Government to provide humanitarian actors with access to the village to provide any assistance needed to the local population.”

ENDS

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