UN condemns violence in Myanmar forcing Rohingyas to flee

The UN Security Council unanimously approved a statement Monday strongly condemning the violence that has caused more than 600,000 Rohingya Muslims to flee from Myanmar to Bangladesh, a significant step that still fell short of a stronger resolution that Western nations wanted but China opposed. The presidential statement calls on Myanmar’s government ``to ensure no further excessive use of military force in Rakhine State’’ and take immediate steps to respect human rights.

It expresses ``grave concern’’ at reports of human rights violations in Rakhine by Myanmar’s security forces against the Rohingya. These include ``the systematic use of force and intimidation, killing of men, women and children, sexual violence and ... the destruction and burning of homes and property,’’ it says.

Britain initially circulated a Security Council resolution with similar language, backed by the U.S., France and other council members. But resolutions are legally binding and diplomats said China, a neighbour and ally of Myanmar, was strongly opposed. China is one of the five powers that have veto power on the council.

So Britain turned the resolution into a presidential statement, which becomes part of the council’s record but does not have the legal clout of a resolution.