UN Chief urges global action to restore Rohingya Rights and resolve Myanmar Crisis

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has expressed grave concern over the stripping of citizenship rights to the Rohingya community, which has been living under “threat of terror” since Myanmar’s 2021 military coup. He called for unified international efforts to address the crisis faced by the Rohingya and other ethnic minorities in the country.

“We must work together to resolve the crisis affecting the Rohingya and other minorities in Myanmar. We must find a sustainable political solution that will shape a peaceful and inclusive future for all of Myanmar,” Guterres said.

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He underscored that a lasting resolution must come from within Myanmar itself.
“The solution lies in ending persecution and discrimination, ensuring accountability, and restoring and upholding rights. It lies in a return to democracy and the recognition that the Rohingya belong — as full citizens. It lies in building an inclusive society where all people, regardless of ethnicity or religion, can live in peace and participate meaningfully in shaping their future. There can be no durable peace without a genuine cessation of hostilities and a path to de-escalation and dialogue,” he emphasised.

Guterres made these remarks at the UN High-Level Conference on the Situation of Human Rights of Rohingya and Other Minorities in Myanmar, held in New York. He said the gathering aimed “to shine a global spotlight on the persecution and displacement of Rohingya Muslims and other minorities in Myanmar.”

The UN chief noted that conditions have deteriorated sharply since the military takeover, with millions facing trampling of their human rights and dignity, alongside growing risks to regional stability. He urged countries to act decisively, warning that it is “not enough to take stock of the status quo. We must foster solidarity and forge solutions.”

Guterres highlighted the decades-long plight of Myanmar’s minorities, saying:“Minorities in Myanmar have endured decades of exclusion, abuse, and violence. The Rohingya have been stripped of their right to citizenship, targeted by hate speech, terrorized by deadly force, and confined to camps with little freedom of movement and limited access to education and health care.”

Guterres warned that the ongoing conflict in Rakhine State, including forced recruitment, aerial bombardment, and rampant human rights violations, continues to block the safe, voluntary, and dignified return of refugees. In the past 18 months alone, 150,000 Rohingya have fled to Bangladesh, which has kept its borders open despite immense pressures.

He also drew attention to the deteriorating situation in refugee camps:“Others risk perilous sea journeys that often end in tragedy. Life in the camps is extremely difficult. Severe funding cuts have restricted access to health care, education, and livelihoods. Food assistance could run out by the end of November. Insecurity and exploitation leave women and girls at heightened risk of sexual and gender-based violence, trafficking, and child marriage.”

The Secretary-General urged member states to rally behind immediate action in three critical areas:”Protect civilians and uphold international law – All parties must respect international humanitarian and human rights law, with the protection of civilians as an urgent priority. Ensure humanitarian access – Aid agencies must be granted unhindered access inside Myanmar so that no community is cut off from food, medicine, or lifesaving support. Boost humanitarian and development investment – Increased funding is needed to meet basic needs, help refugees become self-reliant, and ease the strain on host communities.”

Julie Bishop, the Secretary-General’s Special Envoy on Myanmar, underscored the growing political instability.

Bishop noted that ASEAN member states hold differing views on the proposed polls—ranging from strong opposition to reluctant acceptance, to support for elections as a possible circuit breaker. Meanwhile, Myanmar’s National League for Democracy—whose leaders remain detained—has rejected the junta’s plan to hold elections in limited areas, calling it “a sham attempt to gain political legitimacy.”