Myanmar Instructs Security Forces to Minimize Collateral Damage in Rakhine, Reports Reuters

UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) – Myanmar’s Vice President addressed the United Nations on Wednesday, stating that security forces in Rakhine State, from which hundreds of thousands have recently fled, have been instructed to implement "full measures" to prevent collateral damage and protect innocent civilians.

Tensions in Rakhine State escalated on August 25 when Rohingya militants launched assaults on government outposts, leading to a severe military crackdown that has been met with widespread international criticism, including at this week’s annual U.N. General Assembly.

During his remarks to the assembly, Vice President Henry Van Thio noted that it was not only Rohingya Muslims who had been displaced but also members of other minority groups. He emphasized that human rights violations would be addressed "in accordance with strict norms of justice."

Since the violence began, over 420,000 Rohingya Muslims have fled to neighboring Bangladesh to escape what a senior U.N. official has described as a "textbook example of ethnic cleansing."

On Wednesday, U.S. Vice President Mike Pence accused the Myanmar military of responding to militant actions "with terrible savagery, burning villages, and driving the Rohingya from their homes." He termed the crisis a global threat and indicated that U.S. President Donald Trump desired "strong and swift action" from the U.N. Security Council in response to the violence.

Van Thio expressed that the Myanmar government is "deeply concerned about the present situation in Rakhine," stressing that "the security forces have been instructed to adhere strictly to the Code of Conduct in carrying out security operations, to exercise all due restraint, and to take full measures to avoid collateral damage and harm to innocent civilians."

He extended condolences to the families of all innocent civilians and members of the police and security forces who have lost their lives in the conflict.

The Vice President also expressed concern over reports of continued crossings into Bangladesh despite a lack of armed clashes since September 5, stating, "We would need to find out the reason for this exodus."

He acknowledged the necessity of ensuring humanitarian assistance is provided "to all those in need without discrimination." To this end, a committee has been established under the social welfare minister to implement recommendations from an advisory commission led by former U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan. The government plans to create an advisory board of "eminent persons" from both Myanmar and abroad.

Additionally, Van Thio mentioned that Myanmar is actively working to strengthen relations with Bangladesh and would welcome a visit from the Bangladeshi home minister to discuss border security cooperation.