South Africa on Wednesday expressed deep concern over the loss of life and ongoing violence between ethnic Rakhine Buddhists and stateless Muslim Rohingyas in the State of Rakhine, Myanmar.
It also urged all parties to halt the violence in order to avoid further human suffering.?
“In particular, the South Africa government appeals to the government of Myanmar to address the current situation in Rakhine state within the ambit of the law, upholding the rights of all those living within its borders,” the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) said in a statement.?
Mindful of the manifold challenges, Pretoria said it had faith that the government of Myanmar would continue its process of democratisation and political reform in order to deliver sustainable development and stability, and to contribute to national reconciliation.
The violence first erupted in June 2012 and has left at least 78 dead and tens of thousands homeless.
The recent sectarian riot has left at least three people dead and five others injured.?
The renewed riot also comes days after United Nations Human Rights Envoy Tomas Ojea Quintana ended his six-day mission in Myanmar that looked into the Rakhine issue.
The department said it had noted Quintana's statement, where he expressed grave concern about allegations of serious human rights violations committed as part of measures to restore law and order, including extrajudicial killings and torture by police and soldiers.