UN Chief proposes solution to Myanmar to address Rohingya crisis

New York [U.S.A], September 29 (ANI): UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has termed massive exodus of Rohingya Muslim minority as the 'world's fastest-developing refugee emergency' and proposed three things for the Myanmar government to address the humanitarian crisis.

Listing out the steps, Guterres said, "First, end the military operations; Second, allow unfettered access for humanitarian support. And third, ensure the safe voluntary and sustainable return of the refugees to their areas of origin."

UN Security Council held its first public meeting on the Rohingyas situation in more than eight years. Guterres told the council that the current outbreak of violence has "spiralled into the world's fastest-developing refugee emergency, a humanitarian and human rights nightmare."

"We've received bone-chilling accounts from those who fled, mainly women, children and the elderly," CNN quoted Guterras as saying.

Myanmar's special envoy told the Council the country realizes the humanitarian situation needs to be addressed. He said thousands fled because of fear due to terrorism, and that Myanmar is cooperating with the Red Cross.

The UN Secretary-General warned that "we should not be surprised if decades of discrimination and double standards in treatment of the Rohingya create an opening for radicalization".

Accusing Myanmar of ethnic cleansing, US Permanent Representative Nikki Haley said the time for well meaning words in the Council has passed.

"We cannot be afraid to call the actions of the Burmese authorities what they appear to be: a brutal, sustained campaign to cleanse the country of an ethnic minority."

She said that action must be considered against "Burmese security forces who are implicated in abuses stoking hatred among fellow citizens" and urged countries that now sell weapons to Myanmar to suspend their deliveries until the military becomes accountable.

Haley called for the Myanmar military to respect human rights and fundamental freedoms.

Most of the other Security Council members echoed their strong condemnation of the Myanmar government and supported Guterres's demands.

Swedish UN Ambassador Olof Skoog said the Annan report "provides the way forward," as he urged the Myanmar government to take responsibility to bring an end to the conflict once and for all."

Japan's UN Ambassador Koro Bessho strongly condemned the attacks on civilians and said his nation was deeply disturbed at reports of killings.

Defending Myanmar, China said "there is no quick fix" to the conflict.(ANI)