By Hafizur Rahman, August 23, 2025
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has condemned ongoing atrocities against the Rohingya, accusing both Myanmar’s military and the Arakan Army (AA) of committing “serious crimes carried out with impunity.”
Breach of International Law
In a statement issued from Geneva, Türk said the violations represent a “flagrant breach of international law, including the provisional measures ordered by the International Court of Justice (ICJ).”
His remarks come just days before the eighth anniversary of the 2017 Rohingya exodus, when nearly 750,000 Rohingya fled brutal military operations in Rakhine State and sought refuge in Bangladesh.
Escalating Crisis in Rakhine
Since renewed clashes broke out in 2023, around 200,000 more Rohingyas have crossed into Bangladesh. None have been able to return to their homeland.
The Arakan Army has now seized control of over 80 percent of Rakhine State, reshaping the dynamics of the conflict and further complicating the Rohingya crisis.
“As we approach yet another year without justice for the atrocities that began on 25 August 2017, the question remains: when will this cycle of misery end, particularly for the long-suffering Rohingya people?” Türk asked.
Dire Humanitarian Situation
The UN rights chief warned that the humanitarian and human rights situation in Rakhine has deteriorated sharply since November 2023, pushing the Rohingya into even more life-threatening conditions.
“Amid a global funding crisis, Rohingya communities in both Myanmar and Bangladesh are facing dire circumstances, worsened by drastic cuts in food assistance,” Türk said.
Rights groups have already reported that hundreds of thousands of Rohingya children are at risk of losing access to education, while food and healthcare supplies continue to shrink due to declining donor contributions.
Call for Global Action
Türk emphasized that ending impunity and guaranteeing the Rohingya’s rights to security, citizenship, and equality are essential for lasting peace in Rakhine.
He urged the international community to scale up humanitarian assistance, ensure access to food and healthcare, and strengthen international accountability mechanisms to hold perpetrators of atrocities responsible.
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