1 September 2017 – United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres today urged restraint and calm in Myanmar’s Rakhine state, cautioning that the situation may otherwise lead to a humanitarian catastrophe.

In a statement from his spokesperson, the Secretary-General expressed deep concern about reported violence since 25 August attacks on police posts.

“The Secretary-General is deeply concerned by the reports of excesses during the security operations conducted by Myanmar’s security forces in Rakhine State,” according to the statement.

Mr. Guterres stressed the responsibility of Myanmar authorities to provide security and assistance to all those in need and allow the UN and its partners to extend humanitarian support, in country and in Bangladesh, where some people are fleeing. He encouraged authorities to ensure that people seeking aid have access to the UN and other partners.

“The current situation underlines the urgency of seeking holistic approaches to addressing the complex root causes of violence,” the spokesperson said, reiterating the need to implement the recommendations of the Advisory Commission on Rakhine led by former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan.

Released earlier this week, the report outlines recommendations for how to overcome political, socio-economic and humanitarian challenges in that area of western Myanmar.