Statement: USCB position on Arakan/Rakhine State situation

USCB believes in the indivisibility of human rights and their applicability to all. We support the realization of all people’s rights in a democratic Burma. Minorities and marginalized communities particularly need the protection and promotion of their rights. 

In Karen, Kachin, Shan, Arakan/Rakhine, Chin and Mon States we push for: credible international investigations into widespread human rights violations; international observers where relevant; access to humanitarian aid without discrimination; solutions based on internationally recognized human rights standards, and accountability from the government. We reject inflammatory speech or actions that fuel national, racial or religious hatred. In a time of high tensions we believe that tolerance and dialogue based on reliable information remain the best solutions to long-standing problems. Based on the decades of recent experience in Burma, we do not believe that Burmese military involvement in these situations enhances peaceful resolution of civil conflicts. Recent events in Arakan/Rakhine State demonstrate even more so the importance of all these aforementioned elements to ensure the rights of all people living in Burma.