The
resolution noted substantial efforts by Burmese’s government
towards political reform, democratization, national reconciliation
and improvements in human rights. But it said there were still
“systematic violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms.”
The
General Assembly urged the government “to accelerate its efforts to
address discrimination, human rights violations, violence,
displacement and economic deprivation affecting various ethnic
minorities,” singling out the Rohingyas and Kachin.
The
U.N. General Assembly has unanimously adopted a resolution welcoming
positive changes in Burma, but expressing serious concern at an
upsurge of sectarian violence between Muslims and Buddhists in Arakan
state.
The
European Union-sponsored resolution was adopted by consensus, with
the assembly president banging his gavel.
EU
foreign policy Chief Catherine Ashton said earlier this month after
the resolution’s approval by the assembly’s human rights
committee that she was “particularly pleased by the constructive
approach by the government of Myanmar in working closely on the text
with the EU.”
U.N.
humanitarian chief Valerie Amos said earlier this month that for
nearly six months, the U.N. has not able to provide assistance to the
IDPs in Arakan State where Rohingyas were keeping in the camps which
condition is dire.
The
Rohingyas in the western state of Arakan, are in citizenship limbo,
and the Burmese government refuses to do anything about the
situation, despite the international community’s calls for Burma to
give the Rohingyas legal status.
Rohingya
Muslims have faced torture, neglect, and repression in Burma since it
achieved independence in 1948
Buddhist
extremists frequently attack Rohingyas and have set fire to their
homes in several villages in Arakan where hundreds of Rohingyas are
believed to have been killed and thousands displaced in recent
attacks. Burmese Army forces allegedly provided the extremist
Buddhists containers of petrol for torching the houses of Muslim
villagers, who are then forced to flee. Burmese’s government has
been accused of failing to protect the Muslim minority, according to
Human rights reports.
Rohingyas
are said to be Muslim descendants of Persian, Turkish, Bengali, and
Pathan origin, who migrated to Myanmar as early as the 8th century.
Amnesty
International and Human Rights Watch have issued separate statements,
calling on Myanmar to take action to protect the Rohingya Muslim
population against extremist Buddhists.