European Commission wants ‘unrestricted’ humanitarian access to Rakhine state

The European Commission has called upon the Myanmar authorities to give “unrestricted” humanitarian access, including for aid workers, to the Rakhine state.

This is critical to reaching 350,000 vulnerable people in the state, Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management Christos Stylianides said in a statement from Brussels.

“They must be allowed to do their job to try to prevent the further deterioration of an already serious humanitarian situation.”

“I call on all sides to de-escalate tensions and fully observe international human rights law, and in particular to refrain from any violence against civilians,” Stylianides said.

Nearly 125,000 Rohingya refugees have fled to Bangladesh since Aug 25, following an army crackdown triggered by attacks by Rohingya insurgents in Buddhist-majority Myanmar's northwestern Rakhine State.

The Rakhine violence has killed at least 400 people, most of them Rohingya insurgents, according to the Myanmar government, leading to the exodus of Rohingya to neighbouring Bangladesh that is struggling to cope with the influx.

About 500,000 Rohingyas are living in Bangladesh for decades as Myanmar denies them citizenship.

The European commissioner, speaking about the exodus, said “they must not be turned back or deported”.

“We greatly appreciate the hospitality extended by the government and people of Bangladesh for many decades.

“The assistance and protection of the Bangladeshi authorities regarding these new refugees is crucial until the situation in Rakhine state has stabilised and they can safely return,” read the statement.

“The European Union is committed to supporting all efforts to bring a return to aid deliveries in Rakhine state and is working tirelessly with all stakeholders to achieve this.”