Antony J. Blinken 71st U.S. Secretary of State | Official Website
The United States has expressed deep concern over reports of escalating violence and intercommunal tension in Burma's Rakhine State. These reports include incidents of towns being burned and residents, including Rohingya, being displaced. Additionally, there have been troubling accounts of forced conscription of Rohingya and the spread of disinformation, misinformation, and hate speech.
Matthew Miller, Department Spokesperson, stated that "the military’s previous acts of genocide and other crimes against humanity targeting Rohingya," along with its history of inciting intercommunal tensions in Rakhine State and across the country, highlight significant dangers to civilians. The recent increase in violence and tension raises the risk of further atrocities.
The U.S. has called on Burma’s military and all armed actors to protect civilian populations and ensure unhindered humanitarian access. It also urges international partners to condemn the violence, hold perpetrators accountable for human rights abuses, and provide protection to those fleeing violence to prevent future atrocities.
"The United States remains committed to promoting justice for victims and survivors," Miller emphasized. The U.S. will continue to impose costs on the military and other armed actors responsible for abuses.
