Three years into Rohingya crisis: US continues to call for justice
The US has reiterated its call three years after Myanmar’s security forces launched brutal attacks against Rohingya people
The United States (US) has reiterated its call for justice for victims and accountability for those responsible three years after Myanmar's security forces launched brutal attacks against hundreds of thousands of Rohingya men, women and children.
"In addition, in the face of escalating fighting in the Rakhine State, we urge a cessation of violence, dialogue, renewed efforts to protect local communities and unhindered access for humanitarian assistance," said Morgan Ortagus, spokesperson for the US Department of State.
The US remains concerned over the killing of members of local communities and displacement of thousands, which undermines prospects for the voluntary return of refugees and internally displaced persons and erodes prospects for peace.
"We urge authorities in Burma [Myanmar] to establish conditions conducive to the safe, voluntary, dignified and sustainable return of refugees and internally displaced persons, and to deepen efforts to implement recommendations from the Kofi Annan-led Advisory Commission on Rakhine State," she said in a statement transmitted by the US embassy in Dhaka.
Since 2017, the US has provided more than $951 million to ease the humanitarian suffering of all affected by the crisis in Myanmar and Bangladesh, read the statement.
Morgan Ortagus said, "We deeply appreciate Bangladesh's continued generosity in hosting more than 860,000 Rohingya. We call on other nations to ensure continued humanitarian support to Rohingya and to deepen efforts to resolve the crisis."
The US has taken strong actions to promote justice for victims and accountability for those responsible for atrocities, she added.
Those actions include imposing financial sanctions and visa restrictions on top military leaders and units linked to serious human rights abuses, supporting UN investigation mechanisms, and encouraging Myanmar to participate fully in International Court of Justice proceedings and to comply with court orders.
"We appreciate the sustained commitment of the international community to hold the perpetrators of these atrocities to account. Much more remains to be done," said the spokesperson.
The US will continue to partner with the people of Myanmar as they work to overcome the legacy of authoritarian rule, expand democracy, and achieve peace, she added.
