Myanmar security forces are not protecting civilians: White House

The White House says the massive displacement and victimisation of people, including large numbers of the ethnic Rohingya community and other minorities, shows that Burmese security forces are not protecting civilians.

White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders released a statement saying the US was “deeply troubled” by the ongoing crisis in northern Rakhine State in Burma.

Nearly 400,000 people have fled their homes to Bangladesh in the wake of attacks on Burmese security posts on Aug 25.

“We reiterate our condemnation of those attacks and ensuing violence.”

The White House “greatly” appreciated the significant efforts of the government of Bangladesh to facilitate humanitarian assistance.

“We are alarmed by the allegations of human rights abuses, including extrajudicial killings, burning of villages, massacres, and rape, by security forces and by civilians acting with these forces’ consent,” read the statement, sent by the US embassy in Dhaka on Wednesday.

“We call on Burmese security authorities to respect the rule of law, stop the violence, and end the displacement of civilians from all communities.

“We also urge Burmese security forces to work with the elected government in implementing the Rakhine Commission’s recommendations.

“We welcome the Burmese government’s commitment to ensure that humanitarian assistance reaches victims as quickly as possible”.

The White House also urged the government to allow media access to afflicted areas as soon as possible.