Remarks by H.E. Antonio Guterres, United Nations Secretary-General, on the situation in Myanmar during the 8333rd meeting of the Security Council

UN chief António Guterres said the massive refugee emergency that began one year ago in Rakhine State has become one of the world’s worst humanitarian and human rights crises. He said he condemned the attacks by extremists against the security forces, but stressed that they could never justify the disproportionate use of force against civilian populations and the gross human rights violations committed by the Myanmar security forces and their allies.

Guterres said accountability was essential for genuine reconciliation between all ethnic groups and a prerequisite for regional security and stability. However, he said Myanmar has regrettably refused to cooperate with United Nations human rights entities and mechanisms, despite repeated calls to do so, including by the Security Council. He noted that the UN Independent Fact-Finding Mission (FFM) on Myanmar found patterns of gross human rights violations and abuses committed by the security forces, which it said undoubtedly amount to the gravest crimes under international law.

SOUNDBITE (English) António Guterres, Secretary-General, United Nations:
“I believe this report’s findings and recommendations deserve serious consideration by all relevant United Nations bodies. Effective international cooperation will be critical to ensuring that accountability mechanisms are credible, transparent, impartial, independent and comply with Myanmar’s obligations under international law.”

The Secretary-General said much remained to be done to provide the necessary conditions for peace and justice in Rakhine. He noted that so long as a climate of fear and persecution prevails, voluntary returns would not take place.

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