A Rohingya Muslim armed group denied on Friday a report by human rights group Amnesty International that its members had killed scores of Hindu civilians last August, amid a surge in violence in Myanmar`s troubled Rakhine State.

In its report, published this week, Amnesty documented in detail atrocities it said had been committed by the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) near a remote village in Rakhine State.

The report, citing witnesses, including Hindu women who said they were abducted by ARSA insurgents, said fighters from the group killed as many as 99 Hindus near Kha Maung Seik after launching the raids on security posts on August 25.

"We categorically deny all of these unjustifiable and careless serious criminal accusations mentioned in the said report," ARSA said in a statement signed by its leader Ata Ullah and posted on social media network Twitter late on Friday.&nbsp

Myanmar`s military response to the Rohingya insurgent attacks has driven nearly 700,000 Rohingya Muslims to flee from northern Rakhine to neighbouring Bangladesh, in what the United Nations and aid agencies have called "a textbook example of ethnic cleansing".

Myanmar has rejected the accusations of ethnic cleansing, as well as most of the accounts of killings and rape recounted by many of the refugees arriving in Bangladesh.&nbsp

Tirana Hassan, Amnesty International`s Crisis Response Director, said the group "absolutely stands by the findings" of its investigation and urged Myanmar authorities to allow unfettered access to northern Rakhine for U.N. and other independent investigators.&nbsp

A Rohingya Muslim armed group denied on Friday a report by human rights group Amnesty International that its members had killed scores of Hindu civilians last August, amid a surge in violence in Myanmar`s troubled Rakhine State

A Rohingya Muslim armed group denied on Friday a report by human rights group Amnesty International that its members had killed scores of Hindu civilians last August, amid a surge in violence in Myanmar`s troubled Rakhine State. In its report, published this week, Amnesty documented in detail atrocities it said had been committed by the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) near a remote village in Rakhine State. The report, citing witnesses, including Hindu women who said they were abducted by ARSA insurgents, said fighters from the group killed as many as 99 Hindus near Kha Maung Seik after launching the raids on security posts on August 25. "We categorically deny all of these unjustifiable and careless serious criminal accusations mentioned in the said report," ARSA said in a statement signed by its leader Ata Ullah and posted on social media network Twitter late on Friday. Myanmar`s military response to the Rohingya insurgent attacks has driven nearly 700,000 Rohingya Muslims to flee from northern Rakhine to neighbouring Bangladesh, in what the United Nations and aid agencies have called "a textbook example of ethnic cleansing". Myanmar has rejected the accusations of ethnic cleansing, as well as most of the accounts of killings and rape recounted by many of the refugees arriving in Bangladesh. Tirana Hassan, Amnesty International`s Crisis Response Director, said the group "absolutely stands by the findings" of its investigation and urged Myanmar authorities to allow unfettered access to northern Rakhine for U.N. and other independent investigators.

Rohingya insurgents reject Amnesty report on Hindu villagers killed in Myanmar

Deeply concerned over the Amnesty International report on the alleged killing of Hindu villagers by the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA), the US on Friday said there was an urgent need for a credible and independent investigation into the human rights violations in Myanmar's restive Rakhine province.

"We are deeply concerned by Amnesty's report on the killing of Hindu villagers by the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army. Accountability for all those responsible for human rights abuses and violations in northern Rakhine state remains critical," a US State Department spokesperson told PTI.

He said the report further highlights the urgent need for a credible and independent investigation in Rakhine state to further determine all facts on the ground to fix accountability and provide justice to victims. "The United States continues to support such an investigation," the spokesperson said.

In its report early this week, the Amnesty International said a Rohingya armed group brandishing guns and swords was responsible for at least one, and potentially a second, massacre of up to 99 Hindu women, men and children as well as additional unlawful killings and abductions of Hindu villagers in August 2017.

"At around 8 am on 25 August 2017, ARSA attacked the Hindu community in the village of Ah Nauk Kha Maung Seik, in a cluster of villages known as Kha Maung Seik in northern Maungdaw Township. At the time of the attack, the Hindu villagers lived in close proximity to Rohingya villagers, who are predominantly Muslim. Rakhine villagers, who are predominantly Buddhist, also lived in the same area," Amnesty said in its latest report.

In a statement Burma Task Force, a coalition of 19 US and Canadian Muslim organisations, slammed the Amnesty International for "such a report".

"It is a major public relations bonanza for the genocidal Burmese regime. It puts 60,000 Rohingyas in India even at more risk than they already are," it said.

"The Amnesty International report presents, as fact, evidence and conclusions that are both seriously questionable, and by doing so it aids the propaganda efforts of a regime whose every action suggests it is bent on carrying out genocide," the task force said.

Meanwhile, the US House of Representatives passed the National Defense Authorisation Act 2019, which addresses the issue of alleged ethnic cleansing in Myanmar. &nbsp"This provision imposes new sanctions on Burmese military officials and bars their forces from US joint drills," Congressman Ed Royce, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said. &nbsp

Over the past year, the Burmese military has escalated its decades-long campaign against the country's Rohingya Muslim minority. More than 7,00,000 Rohingya have been forced to flee and thousands have been slaughtered. Entire villages have been burned and bulldozed, he said.&nbsp

There was an urgent need for a credible and independent investigation into the human rights violations in Myanmar's restive Rakhine province, US said

Deeply concerned over the Amnesty International report on the alleged killing of Hindu villagers by the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA), the US on Friday said there was an urgent need for a credible and independent investigation into the human rights violations in Myanmar's restive Rakhine province. "We are deeply concerned by Amnesty's report on the killing of Hindu villagers by the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army. Accountability for all those responsible for human rights abuses and violations in northern Rakhine state remains critical," a US State Department spokesperson told PTI. He said the report further highlights the urgent need for a credible and independent investigation in Rakhine state to further determine all facts on the ground to fix accountability and provide justice to victims. "The United States continues to support such an investigation," the spokesperson said. In its report early this week, the Amnesty International said a Rohingya armed group brandishing guns and swords was responsible for at least one, and potentially a second, massacre of up to 99 Hindu women, men and children as well as additional unlawful killings and abductions of Hindu villagers in August 2017. "At around 8 am on 25 August 2017, ARSA attacked the Hindu community in the village of Ah Nauk Kha Maung Seik, in a cluster of villages known as Kha Maung Seik in northern Maungdaw Township. At the time of the attack, the Hindu villagers lived in close proximity to Rohingya villagers, who are predominantly Muslim. Rakhine villagers, who are predominantly Buddhist, also lived in the same area," Amnesty said in its latest report. In a statement Burma Task Force, a coalition of 19 US and Canadian Muslim organisations, slammed the Amnesty International for "such a report". "It is a major public relations bonanza for the genocidal Burmese regime. It puts 60,000 Rohingyas in India even at more risk than they already are," it said. "The Amnesty International report presents, as fact, evidence and conclusions that are both seriously questionable, and by doing so it aids the propaganda efforts of a regime whose every action suggests it is bent on carrying out genocide," the task force said. Meanwhile, the US House of Representatives passed the National Defense Authorisation Act 2019, which addresses the issue of alleged ethnic cleansing in Myanmar. "This provision imposes new sanctions on Burmese military officials and bars their forces from US joint drills," Congressman Ed Royce, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said. Over the past year, the Burmese military has escalated its decades-long campaign against the country's Rohingya Muslim minority. More than 7,00,000 Rohingya have been forced to flee and thousands have been slaughtered. Entire villages have been burned and bulldozed, he said.

US seeks credible investigation into killing of Hindus by ARSA in Myanmar

Speaking at the convocation ceremony in West Bengal, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina sought help from PM Modi in the Rohingya crisis.

She asked India&nbsp;to intervene and ask Myanmar to take back Rohingyas.

She said, "Rohingyas have taken shelter in Bangladesh. We've given them a place on humanitarian grounds. We want them to return to their country as early as possible. I request you to help us to interact with Myanmar so that they take Rohingyas back."

She said, "Together we have resolved many bilateral issues in an amicable way for the benefit of both the countries. Although there are issues that still need to be taken care of, I do not wish to mention them at this programme".

Recalling the Indo-Pakistan war of 1971 she said,"We shall never forget how India stood beside us during 1971 liberation war.

She further said,&nbsp;"We are getting all cooperation from India, as both, the countries want to alleviate poverty in this region. By 2041 we want to develop Bangladesh into a 'Sonar Bangla' (Golden Bangladesh)".

Prime Minister Modi&nbsp;the other hand chose to remain silent in the Rohingya crisis and highlighted the cultural ties existing between India and Pakistan which he said were defined by several public policies.&nbsp;

He spoke on the Indo-Bangladesh ties saying, "We could learn multiple lessons from each other and Bangladesh Bhawan is one of such examples".

He further said that the two countries were rapidly moving forward in the area of connectivity, be it road, railways, international waterways or coastal shipping.&nbsp;

He also said that the last few years were a golden chapter in Indo-Bangladesh ties where complicated issues like land, coastal boundaries were resolved.

 
&nbsp;

She said 'Rohingyas have taken shelter in Bangladesh. We've given them a place on humanitarian grounds. We want them to return to their country as early as possible. I request you to help us to interact with Myanmar so that they take Rohingyas back'

Speaking at the convocation ceremony in West Bengal, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina sought help from PM Modi in the Rohingya crisis. She asked India to intervene and ask Myanmar to take back Rohingyas. She said, "Rohingyas have taken shelter in Bangladesh. We've given them a place on humanitarian grounds. We want them to return to their country as early as possible. I request you to help us to interact with Myanmar so that they take Rohingyas back." She said, "Together we have resolved many bilateral issues in an amicable way for the benefit of both the countries. Although there are issues that still need to be taken care of, I do not wish to mention them at this programme". Recalling the Indo-Pakistan war of 1971 she said,"We shall never forget how India stood beside us during 1971 liberation war. She further said, "We are getting all cooperation from India, as both, the countries want to alleviate poverty in this region. By 2041 we want to develop Bangladesh into a 'Sonar Bangla' (Golden Bangladesh)". Prime Minister Modi the other hand chose to remain silent in the Rohingya crisis and highlighted the cultural ties existing between India and Pakistan which he said were defined by several public policies. He spoke on the Indo-Bangladesh ties saying, "We could learn multiple lessons from each other and Bangladesh Bhawan is one of such examples". He further said that the two countries were rapidly moving forward in the area of connectivity, be it road, railways, international waterways or coastal shipping. He also said that the last few years were a golden chapter in Indo-Bangladesh ties where complicated issues like land, coastal boundaries were resolved.

Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina seeks India's help in Rohingya crisis

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Alongside Kumaraswamy, Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) President G. Parameshwara will take oath as the Deputy Chief Minister. &nbsp;

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As many as 11 people have been reported dead in clashes between locals and the police in Tamil Nadu's Tuticorin. Chaos broke out as locals continued to protest Sterlite’s industrial plant for the 100th consecutive day on Tuesday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/rohingya-militants-killed-hindu-villagers-in-myanmar-violence-amnesty-international-139009">Rohingya militants killed Hindu villagers in Myanmar: Amnesty International</a>

Campaign group Amnesty International said on Tuesday it had gathered evidence that insurgents from a Rohingya Muslim armed group killed scores of Hindu civilians in August last year, amid a surge in violence in western Myanmar.

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Venezuela ordered the expulsion of the top two US diplomats in the country Tuesday, charging it was the victim of a "political and financial lynching" after Washington tightened sanctions over Nicolas Maduro's re-election.

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Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg sailed through a grilling from EU lawmakers about the social network's data policies as lengthy questions left the 34-year-old American little time to answer.

HD Kumaraswamy to be sworn in as Karnataka Chief Minister today, floor test tomorrow Alongside Kumaraswamy, Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) President G. Parameshwara will take oath as the Deputy Chief Minister. Tamil Nadu: At least 11 killed in clashes with police over protests against Sterlite copper plant As many as 11 people have been reported dead in clashes between locals and the police in Tamil Nadu's Tuticorin. Chaos broke out as locals continued to protest Sterlite’s industrial plant for the 100th consecutive day on Tuesday. Rohingya militants killed Hindu villagers in Myanmar: Amnesty International Campaign group Amnesty International said on Tuesday it had gathered evidence that insurgents from a Rohingya Muslim armed group killed scores of Hindu civilians in August last year, amid a surge in violence in western Myanmar. Venezuela's Maduro expels US diplomats, rejects sanctions Venezuela ordered the expulsion of the top two US diplomats in the country Tuesday, charging it was the victim of a "political and financial lynching" after Washington tightened sanctions over Nicolas Maduro's re-election. Facebook face-off: EU gets little news from Zuckerberg about social network's data policies Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg sailed through a grilling from EU lawmakers about the social network's data policies as lengthy questions left the 34-year-old American little time to answer.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Campaign group Amnesty International said on Tuesday it had gathered evidence that insurgents from a Rohingya Muslim armed group killed scores of Hindu civilians in August last year, amid a surge in violence in western Myanmar.

A military response to insurgent attacks on 30 police posts and an army base in northern Rakhine state the early hours of Aug. 25 pushed almost 700,000 Rohingya Muslims across the border to Bangladesh, many accusing security forces of killings, rape and arson.

Senior UN&nbsp;officials have said the response amounted to ethnic cleansing and that Myanmar's security forces may have committed genocide.

Amnesty International's research is the first published by an international human rights group to document in detail alleged atrocities by the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA).

It said masked ARSA fighters killed as many as 99 Hindus near a remote village named Kha Maung Seik shortly after launching the coordinated attacks on security posts.

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Amnesty International cited witnesses including eight Hindu women who alleged they were abducted by ARSA fighters and forced to convert to Islam. Some of the women had earlier told media including Reuters that their loved ones were killed by Buddhists, but later recanted their stories, saying they had been coerced by their captors.

Myanmar is majority Buddhist, and the Rohingya are Muslim. The country also has a Christian minority and a smaller number of Hindus.

Myanmar authorities in September unearthed 45 bodies near Kha Maung Seik and accused the ARSA of carrying out the killings.

Reuters was unable to reach an ARSA representative for comment on Tuesday. ARSA said in a Sept. 27 statement it "categorically denies that any of its members or combatants perpetrated murder" and other abuses in villages including Kha Maung Seik.

Myanmar's main government spokesman Zaw Htay said he could not comment on Tuesday evening as he had not seen the report.

Amnesty International also said it had documented a separate killing of six Hindus by ARSA fighters on Aug. 26 near the town of Maungdaw.

“It’s hard to ignore the sheer brutality of ARSA’s actions, which have left an indelible impression on the survivors we’ve spoken to," Tirana Hassan, Amnesty International's crisis response director, said in a statement.

"Accountability for these atrocities is every bit as crucial as it is for the crimes against humanity carried out by Myanmar’s security forces in northern Rakhine State."

ARSA emerged as a group with earlier attacks on border posts in 2016. Its leader, Ata Ullah, has said it is fighting for the rights of the Rohingya, who have long complained of persecution as a stateless minority in Myanmar.

Reporters have been unable freely to visit parts of northern Rakhine for more than 18 months.

"After careful review of evidence obtained in Bangladesh and Rakhine State, Amnesty International has concluded that ARSA fighters are responsible for the massacre," Amnesty said, calling for Myanmar to grant U.N. investigators access to the conflict area to document atrocities by both ARSA and the military.

Amnesty said masked Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army fighters killed as many as 99 Hindus near a remote Myanmarese village named Kha Maung Seik

Campaign group Amnesty International said on Tuesday it had gathered evidence that insurgents from a Rohingya Muslim armed group killed scores of Hindu civilians in August last year, amid a surge in violence in western Myanmar. A military response to insurgent attacks on 30 police posts and an army base in northern Rakhine state the early hours of Aug. 25 pushed almost 700,000 Rohingya Muslims across the border to Bangladesh, many accusing security forces of killings, rape and arson. Senior UN officials have said the response amounted to ethnic cleansing and that Myanmar's security forces may have committed genocide. Amnesty International's research is the first published by an international human rights group to document in detail alleged atrocities by the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA). It said masked ARSA fighters killed as many as 99 Hindus near a remote village named Kha Maung Seik shortly after launching the coordinated attacks on security posts. Amnesty International cited witnesses including eight Hindu women who alleged they were abducted by ARSA fighters and forced to convert to Islam. Some of the women had earlier told media their loved ones were killed by Buddhists, but later recanted their stories, saying they had been coerced by their captors × Amnesty International cited witnesses including eight Hindu women who alleged they were abducted by ARSA fighters and forced to convert to Islam. Some of the women had earlier told media including Reuters that their loved ones were killed by Buddhists, but later recanted their stories, saying they had been coerced by their captors. Myanmar is majority Buddhist, and the Rohingya are Muslim. The country also has a Christian minority and a smaller number of Hindus. Myanmar authorities in September unearthed 45 bodies near Kha Maung Seik and accused the ARSA of carrying out the killings. Reuters was unable to reach an ARSA representative for comment on Tuesday. ARSA said in a Sept. 27 statement it "categorically denies that any of its members or combatants perpetrated murder" and other abuses in villages including Kha Maung Seik. Myanmar's main government spokesman Zaw Htay said he could not comment on Tuesday evening as he had not seen the report. Amnesty International also said it had documented a separate killing of six Hindus by ARSA fighters on Aug. 26 near the town of Maungdaw. “It’s hard to ignore the sheer brutality of ARSA’s actions, which have left an indelible impression on the survivors we’ve spoken to," Tirana Hassan, Amnesty International's crisis response director, said in a statement. "Accountability for these atrocities is every bit as crucial as it is for the crimes against humanity carried out by Myanmar’s security forces in northern Rakhine State." ARSA emerged as a group with earlier attacks on border posts in 2016. Its leader, Ata Ullah, has said it is fighting for the rights of the Rohingya, who have long complained of persecution as a stateless minority in Myanmar. Reporters have been unable freely to visit parts of northern Rakhine for more than 18 months. "After careful review of evidence obtained in Bangladesh and Rakhine State, Amnesty International has concluded that ARSA fighters are responsible for the massacre," Amnesty said, calling for Myanmar to grant U.N. investigators access to the conflict area to document atrocities by both ARSA and the military.

Rohingya militants killed Hindu villagers in Myanmar: Amnesty International

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South African cricketer AB de Villiers announced retirement from all forms of cricket with immediate effect, on Wednesday.

&nbsp

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/hd-kumaraswamy-sworn-in-as-karnataka-cm-amid-opposition-show-of-unity-139226">HD Kumaraswamy sworn in as Karnataka CM amid opposition show of unity</a>

After swearing in, Kumaraswamy will have to prove majority on the floor of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly on May 25.&nbsp 
&nbsp

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/video-in-tns-thootukudi-where-11-died-police-allegedly-used-assault-rifles-to-shoot-at-protesters-139084">Video: In Tamil Nadu's Tuticorin where 11 died, police allegedly used assault rifles to shoot at protesters</a>

Thousands of people had hit the streets of Thootukudi (earlier called Tuticorin) Tuesday.

&nbsp

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/rohingya-militants-killed-hindu-villagers-in-myanmar-violence-amnesty-international-139009">Rohingya militants killed Hindu villagers in Myanmar: Amnesty International</a>

Senior UN&nbspofficials have said the response amounted to ethnic cleansing and that Myanmar's security forces may have committed genocide.

&nbsp

 
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According to scientists, the most accomplished dancers can also achieve a tilt of 25 to 3o degrees. So how did Jackson achieve the unachievable?&nbsp

&nbsp

Senior UN officials have said the response amounted to ethnic cleansing and that Myanmar's security forces may have committed genocide.

AB de Villiers retires from all forms of cricket with immediate effect, says 'I am tired' South African cricketer AB de Villiers announced retirement from all forms of cricket with immediate effect, on Wednesday. HD Kumaraswamy sworn in as Karnataka CM amid opposition show of unity After swearing in, Kumaraswamy will have to prove majority on the floor of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly on May 25. Video: In Tamil Nadu's Tuticorin where 11 died, police allegedly used assault rifles to shoot at protesters Thousands of people had hit the streets of Thootukudi (earlier called Tuticorin) Tuesday. Rohingya militants killed Hindu villagers in Myanmar: Amnesty International Senior UN&nbspofficials have said the response amounted to ethnic cleansing and that Myanmar's security forces may have committed genocide. Here's how Michael Jackson managed to pull off the famous anti-gravity tilt According to scientists, the most accomplished dancers can also achieve a tilt of 25 to 3o degrees. So how did Jackson achieve the unachievable?

Rohingya refugee sent to Papua New Guinea dies

Out of the 8000 names submitted for repatriation by Dhaka a few months ago, Myanmar has urged Bangladesh to repatriate 2223 Rohingya refugees as soon as possible.

U Ko Ko Naing, director general of the Myanmar ministry, said that on May 2, the number included 1001 refugees, most of who were Muslims. Both the countries also agreed to repatriate 778 Muslims and 444 Hindu refugees a few months back, The Myanmar Times reported.

During a meeting in Dhaka on May 17, Myanmar showed its readiness to Bangladesh to begin the repatriation, Naing said.

Although the date of the repatriation could not be fixed as it is a complex process, he added.

Both the sides held discussions about safety and security of the repatriation process. Providing a conducive environment to the refugees and involving the United Nations agencies in the resettlement were also the talking points of the meet.

In November last year, Myanmar and Bangladesh signed an agreement to repatriate an estimated 700,000 Rohingya Muslims who fled a brutal Myanmar military campaign launched in August 2017.

&nbsp

U Ko Ko Naing, director general of the Myanmar ministry, said that on May 2, the number included 1001 refugees, most of who were Muslims. Both the countries also agreed to repatriate 778 Muslims and 444 Hindu refugees a few months back

Out of the 8000 names submitted for repatriation by Dhaka a few months ago, Myanmar has urged Bangladesh to repatriate 2223 Rohingya refugees as soon as possible. U Ko Ko Naing, director general of the Myanmar ministry, said that on May 2, the number included 1001 refugees, most of who were Muslims. Both the countries also agreed to repatriate 778 Muslims and 444 Hindu refugees a few months back, The Myanmar Times reported. During a meeting in Dhaka on May 17, Myanmar showed its readiness to Bangladesh to begin the repatriation, Naing said. Although the date of the repatriation could not be fixed as it is a complex process, he added. Both the sides held discussions about safety and security of the repatriation process. Providing a conducive environment to the refugees and involving the United Nations agencies in the resettlement were also the talking points of the meet. In November last year, Myanmar and Bangladesh signed an agreement to repatriate an estimated 700,000 Rohingya Muslims who fled a brutal Myanmar military campaign launched in August 2017.

Myanmar urges Bangladesh to begin repatriation of Rohingyas

Bangladesh police have shot dead 13 drug traffickers and arrested thousands in an aggressive campaign against the surging trade in methamphetamines and other narcotics, officers said on Sunday.

Four drug dealers were killed early Sunday in separate raids, police said, while the elite Rapid Action Battalion said its forces had killed nine others since Tuesday.

Around 2,300 suspected drug traffickers and users had been arrested, the battalion said, in raids since early May. An estimated $2.5 million worth of drugs had been seized.

Authorities last week warned traffickers to surrender or face the full force of the law.

Police have vowed to stamp out drugs, most notably "yaba", a popular street pill made of caffeine and methamphetamine that is doing a roaring trade in Bangladesh.

The alleged dealers all died in what authorities described as shootouts, but parallels have been drawn to the Philippines where police have been accused of executing suspects.

"We have spoken to families of some victims. They said the victims were killed extrajudicially," said Nasiruddin Elan from local rights group Odhikar. Authorities have been struggling to control a huge surge in yaba crossing its southeastern border from Myanmar, where the cheap pills are manufactured by the hundreds of millions.

Officials say the bulk of the drugs entering Bangladesh last year were brought by Rohingya refugees fleeing a military crackdown in Myanmar.

The drugs were being stashed on fishing boats bringing the persecuted civilians into Bangladesh. Some refugees were being used as mules, officials say. Authorities last year seized a record 40 million yaba pills but said an estimated 250-300 million others managed to enter the market.

This year nine million yaba tablets were seized in less than three months as the refugee influx reached its peak. Nearly two million pills were discovered in a single haul.

A director at the narcotics control department predicted that $ 600 million worth of yaba could be sold on Bangladesh's streets this year.

Officials say the bulk of the drugs entering Bangladesh last year were brought by Rohingya refugees fleeing a military crackdown in Myanmar

Bangladesh police have shot dead 13 drug traffickers and arrested thousands in an aggressive campaign against the surging trade in methamphetamines and other narcotics, officers said on Sunday. Four drug dealers were killed early Sunday in separate raids, police said, while the elite Rapid Action Battalion said its forces had killed nine others since Tuesday. Around 2,300 suspected drug traffickers and users had been arrested, the battalion said, in raids since early May. An estimated $2.5 million worth of drugs had been seized. Authorities last week warned traffickers to surrender or face the full force of the law. Police have vowed to stamp out drugs, most notably "yaba", a popular street pill made of caffeine and methamphetamine that is doing a roaring trade in Bangladesh. The alleged dealers all died in what authorities described as shootouts, but parallels have been drawn to the Philippines where police have been accused of executing suspects. "We have spoken to families of some victims. They said the victims were killed extrajudicially," said Nasiruddin Elan from local rights group Odhikar. Authorities have been struggling to control a huge surge in yaba crossing its southeastern border from Myanmar, where the cheap pills are manufactured by the hundreds of millions. Officials say the bulk of the drugs entering Bangladesh last year were brought by Rohingya refugees fleeing a military crackdown in Myanmar. The drugs were being stashed on fishing boats bringing the persecuted civilians into Bangladesh. Some refugees were being used as mules, officials say. Authorities last year seized a record 40 million yaba pills but said an estimated 250-300 million others managed to enter the market. This year nine million yaba tablets were seized in less than three months as the refugee influx reached its peak. Nearly two million pills were discovered in a single haul. A director at the narcotics control department predicted that $ 600 million worth of yaba could be sold on Bangladesh's streets this year.

Bangladesh kills 13 suspected drug dealers in major crackdown

Owing to the holy month of Ramzan, a Turkish aid group organised Iftar for Rohingya Muslims in Bangladesh.

According to Turkey`s Anadolu news agency, Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) said it had sent food aid to 25,000 Rohingyas and organised an Iftar for approximately 1,500 people.

TIKA`s head of the Balkans and South Europe department Mahmut Cevik, during the programme, recalled the hardships of Rohingya and assured them that Turkey is with them.

The aid agency serves food to 6,000 Rohingya Muslims at the refugee camps on a daily basis.

About 750,000 Rohingya had fled Myanmar after country`s forces began a crackdown on the minority Muslim community in August 2017.

According to an NGO, Doctors Without Borders, from August 25 to September 24 in 2017, at least 9,000 Rohingya were killed in Myanmar`s Rakhine state.

The aid agency serves food to 6,000 Rohingya Muslims at the refugee camps on a daily basis

Owing to the holy month of Ramzan, a Turkish aid group organised Iftar for Rohingya Muslims in Bangladesh. According to Turkey`s Anadolu news agency, Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) said it had sent food aid to 25,000 Rohingyas and organised an Iftar for approximately 1,500 people. TIKA`s head of the Balkans and South Europe department Mahmut Cevik, during the programme, recalled the hardships of Rohingya and assured them that Turkey is with them. The aid agency serves food to 6,000 Rohingya Muslims at the refugee camps on a daily basis. About 750,000 Rohingya had fled Myanmar after country`s forces began a crackdown on the minority Muslim community in August 2017. According to an NGO, Doctors Without Borders, from August 25 to September 24 in 2017, at least 9,000 Rohingya were killed in Myanmar`s Rakhine state.

Turkish agency organises Iftar for Rohingya refugees

Myanmar security forces have resumed loudspeaker broadcasts near its border with Bangladesh ordering Rohingya Muslims to immediately leave a strip of no-man's land between the two countries, refugees said Sunday.

Around 6,000 refugees from the persecuted minority have been camping on the narrow stretch of land since fleeing a brutal military crackdown in Myanmar's west last August.

The majority of the nearly 700,000 Rohingya who escaped the violence settled in huge camps in Bangladesh but a smaller number insisted on staying put in the buffer zone between the borders.

Myanmar had agreed in February to stop using loudspeakers to order the stranded Muslims to leave the area immediately and cross into Bangladesh.

The army also withdrew some of its heavy forces from the edge of no-man's land, where refugees camped on the other side of a barbed wire fence had complained of intimidation.

But the loudspeaker messages resumed this weekend without warning, Rohingya community leaders said, exacerbating tension along the restive border zone.

"They played it several times yesterday, and have been repeating it this morning. It's very disturbing and creates panic," said Mohammad Arif, one of the leaders camped in no-man's land.

The messages -- broadcast in Burmese and Rohingya -- warned the refugees to "leave the area under Myanmar's jurisdiction or face prosecution". "We're citizens of Myanmar. It's our fatherland. We have every right to remain here. Why should we go elsewhere?" said another community leader, Dil Mohammad.

The broadcasts also refer to the refugees as "Bengalis", the term used by many in Buddhist-majority Myanmar to refer to the Rohingya, whom they consider interlopers from Bangladesh.

Lieutenant Colonel Manzurul Hasan Khan, a local Border Guard Bangladesh commander, said the situation was being closely monitored.

"We have noticed that they tied loudhailers to the trees along their border fences near the camp," Khan said.

The refugee crisis has strained ties between Bangladesh and Myanmar.

The neighbours had agreed in November to begin repatriating Rohingya refugees to Myanmar but the process has stalled, with both sides blaming each other for the delays.

Those living in no-man's land -- and many in the Bangladeshi refugee camps -- refuse to return to Myanmar until their safety and citizenship is assured and compensation granted for past injustices.&nbsp

Around 6,000 refugees from the persecuted minority have been camping on the narrow stretch of land since fleeing a brutal military crackdown in Myanmar's west last August

Myanmar security forces have resumed loudspeaker broadcasts near its border with Bangladesh ordering Rohingya Muslims to immediately leave a strip of no-man's land between the two countries, refugees said Sunday. Around 6,000 refugees from the persecuted minority have been camping on the narrow stretch of land since fleeing a brutal military crackdown in Myanmar's west last August. The majority of the nearly 700,000 Rohingya who escaped the violence settled in huge camps in Bangladesh but a smaller number insisted on staying put in the buffer zone between the borders. Myanmar had agreed in February to stop using loudspeakers to order the stranded Muslims to leave the area immediately and cross into Bangladesh. The army also withdrew some of its heavy forces from the edge of no-man's land, where refugees camped on the other side of a barbed wire fence had complained of intimidation. But the loudspeaker messages resumed this weekend without warning, Rohingya community leaders said, exacerbating tension along the restive border zone. "They played it several times yesterday, and have been repeating it this morning. It's very disturbing and creates panic," said Mohammad Arif, one of the leaders camped in no-man's land. The messages -- broadcast in Burmese and Rohingya -- warned the refugees to "leave the area under Myanmar's jurisdiction or face prosecution". "We're citizens of Myanmar. It's our fatherland. We have every right to remain here. Why should we go elsewhere?" said another community leader, Dil Mohammad. The broadcasts also refer to the refugees as "Bengalis", the term used by many in Buddhist-majority Myanmar to refer to the Rohingya, whom they consider interlopers from Bangladesh. Lieutenant Colonel Manzurul Hasan Khan, a local Border Guard Bangladesh commander, said the situation was being closely monitored. "We have noticed that they tied loudhailers to the trees along their border fences near the camp," Khan said. The refugee crisis has strained ties between Bangladesh and Myanmar. The neighbours had agreed in November to begin repatriating Rohingya refugees to Myanmar but the process has stalled, with both sides blaming each other for the delays. Those living in no-man's land -- and many in the Bangladeshi refugee camps -- refuse to return to Myanmar until their safety and citizenship is assured and compensation granted for past injustices.

Myanmar orders Rohingya to leave tense border zone

The US&nbspgovernment's aid chief called on Thursday on Myanmar to end violence against members of the Rohingya Muslim minority and to provide humanitarian workers and media unhindered access to the country.

Mark Green, administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), visited Rohingya refugee camps on a three-day visit to Bangladesh this week.

The United States would provide $44 million in additional aid to help meet the needs of Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh, he told reports in Dhaka, before travelling on to Myanmar, which is also known as Burma.

"Today, I will fly to Burma and will ask them to end the violence and will also ask them to allow media access,” Green said.

"This humanitarian crisis is a global challenge and our government along with the international community will work together to support Bangladesh," he said.

According to UN&nbspofficials, nearly 700,000 Rohingya have fled into Bangladesh from Buddhist-majority Myanmar's Rakhine State to escape a military crackdown since August, launched in response to Rohingya insurgent attacks.

Refugees have told of numerous incidents of murder, rape and arson by Myanmar troops and Buddhist vigilantes, which the United Nations has likened to "ethnic cleansing".

Myanmar has denied nearly all of the allegations, saying its security forces have been waging a legitimate counter-insurgency operation against Rohingya "terrorists".

Green, who is due to meet Myanmar government officials in the capital, Naypyitaw, said he would ask for "free and unhindered humanitarian access throughout the country" as well as access for media to travel freely.

US&nbspPresident Donald Trump this month assured Bangladesh of US&nbspsupport in dealing with the Myanmar Rohingya refugee crisis.

US President Donald Trump this month assured Bangladesh of US support in dealing with the Myanmar Rohingya refugee crisis

The US&nbspgovernment's aid chief called on Thursday on Myanmar to end violence against members of the Rohingya Muslim minority and to provide humanitarian workers and media unhindered access to the country. Mark Green, administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), visited Rohingya refugee camps on a three-day visit to Bangladesh this week. The United States would provide $44 million in additional aid to help meet the needs of Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh, he told reports in Dhaka, before travelling on to Myanmar, which is also known as Burma. "Today, I will fly to Burma and will ask them to end the violence and will also ask them to allow media access,” Green said. "This humanitarian crisis is a global challenge and our government along with the international community will work together to support Bangladesh," he said. According to UN&nbspofficials, nearly 700,000 Rohingya have fled into Bangladesh from Buddhist-majority Myanmar's Rakhine State to escape a military crackdown since August, launched in response to Rohingya insurgent attacks. Refugees have told of numerous incidents of murder, rape and arson by Myanmar troops and Buddhist vigilantes, which the United Nations has likened to "ethnic cleansing". Myanmar has denied nearly all of the allegations, saying its security forces have been waging a legitimate counter-insurgency operation against Rohingya "terrorists". Green, who is due to meet Myanmar government officials in the capital, Naypyitaw, said he would ask for "free and unhindered humanitarian access throughout the country" as well as access for media to travel freely. US&nbspPresident Donald Trump this month assured Bangladesh of US&nbspsupport in dealing with the Myanmar Rohingya refugee crisis.

US aid chief calls on Myanmar to end violence against Rohingya

Aid workers are scouring the world's largest refugee camp for pregnant Rohingya rape victims, with a rush of births anticipated nine months after Myanmar forces unleashed "a frenzy of sexual violence" against women and girls from the Muslim minority.

Specialists and Rohingya volunteers are racing against time to find women in the giant camp who are thought to be hiding their pregnancies out of shame, as fears grow that newborns could be abandoned and new mothers may die without care in coming weeks.

Tosminara, herself a Rohingya refugee, has spent months coaxing these women out of the shadows, promising discretion.

"We tell them a password they can use when they arrive at the hospital or health post. The guard then sends the woman directly to the right spot," said Tosminara, who goes by one name.

"They often are shy. Sometimes they are afraid to come forward."

The Myanmar army crackdown last August drove roughly 700,000 Rohingya into Bangladesh and the number of pregnancies resulting from rape is not known.

But UN Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights Andrew Gilmour said there would "inevitably" be a spike in births soon given the "frenzy of sexual violence in August and September last year".&nbsp;

Marcella Kraay of Doctors Without Borders (MSF) also said "a fair number of pregnancies" were expected.

An estimated 48,000 women will give birth in the camps this year.

Those who were raped will be delivering imminently, mostly in secret and without medical care on the floors of bamboo shacks overlooking the Bangladesh-Myanmar border.

Rohingya community leader Abdur Rahim said he knew two women personally who were raped by soldiers and due within the month. He had heard rumours of many others in a similar position, he added.

"The Myanmar military raped them. These babies are... evidence of their crimes," he told AFP.

Tosminara says she is trying her best to find these women in the heaving camps. But volunteers must contend with a deep-rooted stigma that keeps many from revealing their ordeal.

"Sometimes neighbours say 'don't do anything, it will humiliate you further'. So they don't want to come," said Nurjahan Mitu, a doctor who trains midwives through a UN Population Fund programme.

Many have sought clinical help to terminate pregnancies -- legal in Bangladesh up to 12 weeks.

Others have resorted to underground options resulting in "complicated, incomplete abortions", said MSF midwife Daniela Sofia.

The UN's Gilmour, who toured the camps in March, said girls as young as 14 were self-inducing abortions.

Sofia, the midwife, assisted a 16-year-old with an abortion after the teenager arrived at her clinic in secret, terrified that her family would find out.

She said the girl was pregnant after being gang-raped by Myanmar soldiers but had no one to support her through the trauma.

"Nobody knew about the rape. Her family were not aware of it," Sofia told AFP.

More than half the Rohingya who have fled into Bangladesh are women and girls.

Children are seen everywhere but adolescent girls are largely invisible, many kept indoors by families concerned for their welfare, experts say.

Emu Roy, a Bangladeshi midwife, said a paucity of maternity professionals made it difficult to know how many women were suffering in silence in the camps.

"It's not possible for us to go door-to-door," she told AFP.

Experts are concerned that families could forcibly marry off teenage girls to cover up a pregnancy.

Others fear that newborns could be abandoned.

"Not only are you dealing with a woman who has been... traumatised, also there could be a child that is basically unwanted as well," Kraay said.

MSF alone treated 311 rape victims -- women and girls aged between nine and 50 -- between August and March but Kraay said this was "the tip of the iceberg".

The Myanmar army chief has denied allegations his forces used rape to terrorise the Muslim minority.

But the military last month was placed on a UN blacklist for armies and rebels known to use rape in war -- joining Nigeria's Boko Haram and the Islamic State group.

On top of the refugees' accounts, UN Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict Pramila Patten said rape was used as a "calculated tool of terror" to force the Rohingya out of Myanmar.

As the nine-month milestone looms, aid workers are ready to assign abandoned children to women who can breastfeed them, until families are found in the Rohingya community.

"We really want all children -- regardless of the conditions or the locations where they are born -- to grow up in a happy environment," Save the Children's Beatriz Ochoa told AFP.

Rohingya community leader Abdur Rahim said he knew two women personally who were raped by soldiers and due within the month. He had heard rumours of many others in a similar position, he added

Aid workers are scouring the world's largest refugee camp for pregnant Rohingya rape victims, with a rush of births anticipated nine months after Myanmar forces unleashed "a frenzy of sexual violence" against women and girls from the Muslim minority. Specialists and Rohingya volunteers are racing against time to find women in the giant camp who are thought to be hiding their pregnancies out of shame, as fears grow that newborns could be abandoned and new mothers may die without care in coming weeks. Tosminara, herself a Rohingya refugee, has spent months coaxing these women out of the shadows, promising discretion. "We tell them a password they can use when they arrive at the hospital or health post. The guard then sends the woman directly to the right spot," said Tosminara, who goes by one name. "They often are shy. Sometimes they are afraid to come forward." The Myanmar army crackdown last August drove roughly 700,000 Rohingya into Bangladesh and the number of pregnancies resulting from rape is not known. But UN Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights Andrew Gilmour said there would "inevitably" be a spike in births soon given the "frenzy of sexual violence in August and September last year". Marcella Kraay of Doctors Without Borders (MSF) also said "a fair number of pregnancies" were expected. An estimated 48,000 women will give birth in the camps this year. Those who were raped will be delivering imminently, mostly in secret and without medical care on the floors of bamboo shacks overlooking the Bangladesh-Myanmar border. Rohingya community leader Abdur Rahim said he knew two women personally who were raped by soldiers and due within the month. He had heard rumours of many others in a similar position, he added. "The Myanmar military raped them. These babies are... evidence of their crimes," he told AFP. Tosminara says she is trying her best to find these women in the heaving camps. But volunteers must contend with a deep-rooted stigma that keeps many from revealing their ordeal. "Sometimes neighbours say 'don't do anything, it will humiliate you further'. So they don't want to come," said Nurjahan Mitu, a doctor who trains midwives through a UN Population Fund programme. Many have sought clinical help to terminate pregnancies -- legal in Bangladesh up to 12 weeks. Others have resorted to underground options resulting in "complicated, incomplete abortions", said MSF midwife Daniela Sofia. The UN's Gilmour, who toured the camps in March, said girls as young as 14 were self-inducing abortions. Sofia, the midwife, assisted a 16-year-old with an abortion after the teenager arrived at her clinic in secret, terrified that her family would find out. She said the girl was pregnant after being gang-raped by Myanmar soldiers but had no one to support her through the trauma. "Nobody knew about the rape. Her family were not aware of it," Sofia told AFP. More than half the Rohingya who have fled into Bangladesh are women and girls. Children are seen everywhere but adolescent girls are largely invisible, many kept indoors by families concerned for their welfare, experts say. Emu Roy, a Bangladeshi midwife, said a paucity of maternity professionals made it difficult to know how many women were suffering in silence in the camps. "It's not possible for us to go door-to-door," she told AFP. Experts are concerned that families could forcibly marry off teenage girls to cover up a pregnancy. Others fear that newborns could be abandoned. "Not only are you dealing with a woman who has been... traumatised, also there could be a child that is basically unwanted as well," Kraay said. MSF alone treated 311 rape victims -- women and girls aged between nine and 50 -- between August and March but Kraay said this was "the tip of the iceberg". The Myanmar army chief has denied allegations his forces used rape to terrorise the Muslim minority. But the military last month was placed on a UN blacklist for armies and rebels known to use rape in war -- joining Nigeria's Boko Haram and the Islamic State group. On top of the refugees' accounts, UN Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict Pramila Patten said rape was used as a "calculated tool of terror" to force the Rohingya out of Myanmar. As the nine-month milestone looms, aid workers are ready to assign abandoned children to women who can breastfeed them, until families are found in the Rohingya community. "We really want all children -- regardless of the conditions or the locations where they are born -- to grow up in a happy environment," Save the Children's Beatriz Ochoa told AFP.

Nine months on, the search for Rohingya babies born of rape

UN Secretary-General <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-pm-appeals-oic-to-stand-beside-rohingyas-134900">Antonio Guterres said on Thursday</a> several thousand Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh camps should be relocated in order to save them from floods as they were "extremely vulnerable to the monsoon." .

"The monsoon is the biggest concern," Guterres told reporters at UN headquarters in New York.

The UN chiefs <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/violence-against-rohingya-exposed-in-shocking-photos-131241">views come amid reports</a> of Bangladesh planning to relocate the Rohingyas to an island, however, there are no immediate reports of it being ready.

"Higher ground is the best place for this kind of relocation," the UN chief added.

Over 700,000 Rohingyas have fled Myanmar since August last year after reports emerged of persecution by the Army.

Bangladesh was hit by an exodus of refugees with both the UN and the US calling the Myanmar military government to stop the "ethnic cleansing".

Guterres said the UN is in touch with the Bangladesh government on finding a permanent base for the Rohingyas, even though the outcome of the backroom talks is still not clear.

Bangladesh was hit by an exodus of refugees with both the UN and the US calling the Myanmar military government to stop the "ethnic cleansing".

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Thursday several thousand Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh camps should be relocated in order to save them from floods as they were "extremely vulnerable to the monsoon." . "The monsoon is the biggest concern," Guterres told reporters at UN headquarters in New York. The UN chiefs views come amid reports of Bangladesh planning to relocate the Rohingyas to an island, however, there are no immediate reports of it being ready. "Higher ground is the best place for this kind of relocation," the UN chief added. Over 700,000 Rohingyas have fled Myanmar since August last year after reports emerged of persecution by the Army. Bangladesh was hit by an exodus of refugees with both the UN and the US calling the Myanmar military government to stop the "ethnic cleansing". Guterres said the UN is in touch with the Bangladesh government on finding a permanent base for the Rohingyas, even though the outcome of the backroom talks is still not clear.

Rohingyas should be relocated: UN to Bangladesh

China is resisting a British-led push at the UN Security Council to increase pressure on Myanmar to try those responsible for attacks on the Rohingya, according to a draft statement seen by AFP on Tuesday.

Back from a visit to Myanmar and Bangladesh, the Security Council is holding negotiations on a statement that would outline steps to address the crisis from the forced exodus of 700,000 Muslim Rohingya from Myanmar.

Britain last week circulated a draft text that stressed the importance of "credible and transparent investigations" of human rights violations and urged Myanmar to hold those responsible to account.

China, a supporter of Myanmar's former ruling junta, on Monday put forward an amended statement that dropped all mention of investigations or accountability.

Myanmar has come under international scrutiny since a military campaign launched in August drove more than 700,000 Rohingya from their homes in northern Rakhine state.

China's draft statement stresses "the need to address the root causes of the issue," and calls for investment in Rakhine state to "achieve stability through development."

Diplomats said Britain, backed by France and the United States along with other council members, had rejected the proposed changes by China.

Negotiations were continuing ahead of a council meeting on Myanmar on Monday.

The 15 ambassadors last week met with traumatized refugees living in overcrowded camps in Bangladesh and toured burned-out villages in Rakhine state.

The council adopted a statement in November that called on Myanmar to rein in its military, but there has been no resolution -- a stronger measure that China, as one of the veto-wielding permanent members, would likely block.

Crimes against humanity

Myanmar has said the military operation in Rakhine is aimed at rooting out extremists and has rejected accusations from the United Nations, Britain, France and the United States of "ethnic cleansing."

Four human rights groups told a news conference at UN headquarters in New York that the council should immediately ask the International Criminal Court (ICC) to open an investigation for crimes against humanity in Myanmar.

"It's clear that the Myanmar authorities are unable to hold themselves to account," said Param-Preet Singh, associate director for international justice at Human Rights Watch (HRW).

Myanmar has refused to allow a UN fact-finding mission set up by the Human Rights Council to enter the country, and has barred UN rights expert Yanghee Lee.

HRW, Amnesty International, Fortify Rights and the Global Center for Responsibility to Protect said the council should put forward a draft resolution on referring Myanmar to the ICC even though China would likely veto such a move.

"The threat of a veto is no excuse for inaction," said Savita Pawnday, the deputy executive director of the Global Centre.

Fortify Rights, which has documented massacres, gang-rape and widespread arson attacks targeting the Rohingya in Rakhine, is calling for a global arms embargo on Myanmar and targeted sanctions.

Matthew Smith, the head of Fortify Rights, said his organization had a list of "dozens" of military and civilian officials involved in the attacks that reaches "straight to the top" of the army.&nbsp

The council has urged Myanmar to allow the safe return of the Rohingya and take steps to end decades of discrimination that they have suffered in Buddhist-majority Myanmar.

China, a supporter of Myanmar's former ruling junta, on Monday put forward an amended statement that dropped all mention of investigations or accountability

China is resisting a British-led push at the UN Security Council to increase pressure on Myanmar to try those responsible for attacks on the Rohingya, according to a draft statement seen by AFP on Tuesday. Back from a visit to Myanmar and Bangladesh, the Security Council is holding negotiations on a statement that would outline steps to address the crisis from the forced exodus of 700,000 Muslim Rohingya from Myanmar. Britain last week circulated a draft text that stressed the importance of "credible and transparent investigations" of human rights violations and urged Myanmar to hold those responsible to account. China, a supporter of Myanmar's former ruling junta, on Monday put forward an amended statement that dropped all mention of investigations or accountability. Myanmar has come under international scrutiny since a military campaign launched in August drove more than 700,000 Rohingya from their homes in northern Rakhine state. China's draft statement stresses "the need to address the root causes of the issue," and calls for investment in Rakhine state to "achieve stability through development." Diplomats said Britain, backed by France and the United States along with other council members, had rejected the proposed changes by China. Negotiations were continuing ahead of a council meeting on Myanmar on Monday. The 15 ambassadors last week met with traumatized refugees living in overcrowded camps in Bangladesh and toured burned-out villages in Rakhine state. The council adopted a statement in November that called on Myanmar to rein in its military, but there has been no resolution -- a stronger measure that China, as one of the veto-wielding permanent members, would likely block. Crimes against humanity Myanmar has said the military operation in Rakhine is aimed at rooting out extremists and has rejected accusations from the United Nations, Britain, France and the United States of "ethnic cleansing." Four human rights groups told a news conference at UN headquarters in New York that the council should immediately ask the International Criminal Court (ICC) to open an investigation for crimes against humanity in Myanmar. "It's clear that the Myanmar authorities are unable to hold themselves to account," said Param-Preet Singh, associate director for international justice at Human Rights Watch (HRW). Myanmar has refused to allow a UN fact-finding mission set up by the Human Rights Council to enter the country, and has barred UN rights expert Yanghee Lee. HRW, Amnesty International, Fortify Rights and the Global Center for Responsibility to Protect said the council should put forward a draft resolution on referring Myanmar to the ICC even though China would likely veto such a move. "The threat of a veto is no excuse for inaction," said Savita Pawnday, the deputy executive director of the Global Centre. Fortify Rights, which has documented massacres, gang-rape and widespread arson attacks targeting the Rohingya in Rakhine, is calling for a global arms embargo on Myanmar and targeted sanctions. Matthew Smith, the head of Fortify Rights, said his organization had a list of "dozens" of military and civilian officials involved in the attacks that reaches "straight to the top" of the army. The council has urged Myanmar to allow the safe return of the Rohingya and take steps to end decades of discrimination that they have suffered in Buddhist-majority Myanmar.

China resists push at UN for Myanmar probe of Rohingya attacks

US President Donald Trump has assured Bangladesh of US&nbspsupport in dealing with the Myanmar Rohingya refugee crisis, a Bangladeshi official said on Friday.

A letter from Trump was handed to Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at a meeting with US&nbspAmbassador Marcia Bernicat in Dhaka on Thursday, said Ihsanul Karim, the Prime Minister's press secretary, and a US&nbspembassy official.&nbsp

"The United States will continue to pressure Myanmar to create necessary conditions for the safe and voluntary return of the Rohingya people to their homeland," Trump said in the letter, according to Karim.&nbsp 
 
Last month, Hasina said more international pressure was needed on Myanmar to take back Rohingya refugees.&nbsp

UN&nbspofficials say some 700,000 mostly Muslim Rohingya have fled into Bangladesh from Myanmar`s Rakhine state to escape a military crackdown since August, amid reports of murder, rape and arson by Myanmar troops and Buddhist vigilantes in actions which the United Nations has likened to "ethnic cleansing".

Myanmar has denied nearly all allegations, saying it has been waging a legitimate counter-insurgency operation.

In the letter, Trump also said those in Myanmar responsible for instigating the crisis must be held accountable, said Karim.

He said Hasina reiterated her call for the international community to continue to pressure the Myanmar government to repatriate its people from Bangladesh.

A letter from Trump was handed to Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at a meeting with US Ambassador Marcia Bernicat in Dhaka on Thursday

US President Donald Trump has assured Bangladesh of US&nbspsupport in dealing with the Myanmar Rohingya refugee crisis, a Bangladeshi official said on Friday. A letter from Trump was handed to Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at a meeting with US&nbspAmbassador Marcia Bernicat in Dhaka on Thursday, said Ihsanul Karim, the Prime Minister's press secretary, and a US&nbspembassy official. "The United States will continue to pressure Myanmar to create necessary conditions for the safe and voluntary return of the Rohingya people to their homeland," Trump said in the letter, according to Karim. Last month, Hasina said more international pressure was needed on Myanmar to take back Rohingya refugees. UN&nbspofficials say some 700,000 mostly Muslim Rohingya have fled into Bangladesh from Myanmar`s Rakhine state to escape a military crackdown since August, amid reports of murder, rape and arson by Myanmar troops and Buddhist vigilantes in actions which the United Nations has likened to "ethnic cleansing". Myanmar has denied nearly all allegations, saying it has been waging a legitimate counter-insurgency operation. In the letter, Trump also said those in Myanmar responsible for instigating the crisis must be held accountable, said Karim. He said Hasina reiterated her call for the international community to continue to pressure the Myanmar government to repatriate its people from Bangladesh.

Trump assures Bangladesh of US support amid Rohingya crisis

Zohra Begum, 12, was one of several Rohingya refugees who met United Nations Security Council (UNSC) members over the weekend during their visit to the camps in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh.

She and hundreds of thousands of Rohingya Muslims had fled a military crackdown in Rakhine state which was launched after Rohingya insurgents attacked security posts last August.

In her meeting with the UNSC envoys whose main object was to see the aftermath of the military operation in Rakhine, she and the other refugees told them of their experiences.

Zohra described how the Myanmar military fired continuously as they entered and seized the village.

"After surrounding the villagers, they separated the men and killed them. Then they selected some beautiful women, raped them and burned their houses," she said.

"They snatched away children from the laps of women, killed and threw them into a canal. Later, when I was running away, they shot me on my upper thigh and I jumped into the canal. I was injured by a bullet, and I was floating in the water when a man rescued me," she added.

Zohra, along with her brother Khairul Amin, are the only survivors of a 16-member family. They now live with their aunt and uncle in Balukhali camp.

United Nations and rights groups say nearly 700,000 Rohingya have fled to Bangladesh so far.

Britain's U.N. envoy on Tuesday (May 1) suggested the U.N. Security Council could consider helping Myanmar collect evidence of crimes committed during the military crackdown, denounced by the world body as ethnic cleansing after most recent bout of persecution of the Muslim minority last year.

Myanmar's de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi pledged investigations if credible evidence was provided and military chief Min Aung Hlaing vowed "harsh action" over sexual violence during separate meetings with Security Council envoys in the country's capital Naypyitaw on Monday (April 30), diplomats said.

But Suu Kyi's civilian government has little control over the Myanmar military.

Zohra Begum, 12, described how the Myanmar military fired continuously as they entered and seized the village

Zohra Begum, 12, was one of several Rohingya refugees who met United Nations Security Council (UNSC) members over the weekend during their visit to the camps in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh. She and hundreds of thousands of Rohingya Muslims had fled a military crackdown in Rakhine state which was launched after Rohingya insurgents attacked security posts last August. In her meeting with the UNSC envoys whose main object was to see the aftermath of the military operation in Rakhine, she and the other refugees told them of their experiences. Zohra described how the Myanmar military fired continuously as they entered and seized the village. "After surrounding the villagers, they separated the men and killed them. Then they selected some beautiful women, raped them and burned their houses," she said. "They snatched away children from the laps of women, killed and threw them into a canal. Later, when I was running away, they shot me on my upper thigh and I jumped into the canal. I was injured by a bullet, and I was floating in the water when a man rescued me," she added. Zohra, along with her brother Khairul Amin, are the only survivors of a 16-member family. They now live with their aunt and uncle in Balukhali camp. United Nations and rights groups say nearly 700,000 Rohingya have fled to Bangladesh so far. Britain's U.N. envoy on Tuesday (May 1) suggested the U.N. Security Council could consider helping Myanmar collect evidence of crimes committed during the military crackdown, denounced by the world body as ethnic cleansing after most recent bout of persecution of the Muslim minority last year. Myanmar's de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi pledged investigations if credible evidence was provided and military chief Min Aung Hlaing vowed "harsh action" over sexual violence during separate meetings with Security Council envoys in the country's capital Naypyitaw on Monday (April 30), diplomats said. But Suu Kyi's civilian government has little control over the Myanmar military.

Video: 12-year-old Rohingya girl recounts horror of escape to UN Security Council envoys

Britain's UN envoy on Tuesday suggested the UN Security Council could consider helping Myanmar collect evidence of crimes committed during a military crackdown of the Rohingya people, denounced by the world body as ethnic cleansing after most recent bout of persecution of the Muslim minority last year.

"What we`ve got to do on the council is to think how best to turn that into something operational, so that the evidence gets collected and given either to the Burmese authorities or to some sort of international mechanism," Britain`s UN Ambassador Karen Pierce told Reuters, as the Security Council wrapped up a four-day visit to Bangladesh and Myanmar on Tuesday.

Britain`s Pierce told reporters that an investigation needs evidentiary standards to achieve accountability.

"There are two ways of doing that basically, one is an International Criminal Court referral, the second would be the Burmese government do that themselves," Pierce said.

The Myanmar mission to the United Nations did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Pierce’s suggestion.&nbsp;

Myanmar`s de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi pledged investigations if credible evidence was provided and military chief Min Aung Hlaing vowed "harsh action" over sexual violence during separate meetings with Security Council envoys in the country`s capital Naypyitaw on Monday, diplomats said.&nbsp;

But Suu Kyi`s civilian government has little control over the Myanmar military.&nbsp;

Members of the UN Security Council travelled to Myanmar`s Rakhine state, where the United Nations and rights groups say nearly 700,000 Rohingya have fled to Bangladesh since August.

Fleeing refugees have reported killings, rapes and arson. Rohingya insurgent attacks on Rakhine security posts led to the military operation that Myanmar deemed a legitimate response.

In Rakhine, data from the UN Operational Satellite Applications Programme (UNOSAT) has shown hundreds of villages once inhabited by the Rohingya have now been burned down. Many such villages could be seen from the Myanmar military helicopters that carried the UN&nbsp; envoys to northern Rakhine.

Security Council envoys were shown a reception centre Myanmar has built for repatriating Rohingya, aiming to accept a total of 150 people a day, and a transit camp that can house 30,000 returnees. The envoys passed two bulldozed villages near the camp.&nbsp;

Investigations and Options 
 
Last November, the Myanmar`s military released a report denying all accusations of rape and killings by security forces.

But the US government is conducting an intensive examination of allegations of atrocities against the Rohingya that could be used to prosecute Myanmar`s military officials for crimes against humanity, US officials have told Reuters.&nbsp;

Meanwhile the prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) has asked it to rule on whether it has jurisdiction over the deportations of Rohingyas to Bangladesh, a possible crime against humanity, but Suu Kyi`s government has expressed "serious concern" over the move.

Bangladesh is a member of the ICC but Myanmar is not, so if the ICC rules that it does not have jurisdiction, the U.N. Security Council could then choose to refer the situation in Myanmar to the court.&nbsp;

In December, US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley said Myanmar must allow an "independent, transparent and credible investigation into what has happened."

One way the Security Council could help Myanmar could be to mandate a UN investigative team to collect, preserve and store evidence, just as it did in Iraq last year when it investigated acts by Islamic State that may be war crimes.

The United Nations General Assembly could alternatively create an international inquiry into the most serious crimes committed against the Rohingya, similar to what the UN has done in Syria.&nbsp;

Russia`s deputy UN Ambassador Dmitry Polyanskiy was wary of Security Council involvement though because Myanmar said it was willing to tackle the issue. Any Council resolution would need nine votes in favour and no vetoes by either Russia or China, an ally of Myanmar.&nbsp;

Britain's UN envoy on Tuesday suggested the UN Security Council could consider helping Myanmar collect evidence of crimes committed during a military crackdown of the Rohingya people, denounced by the world body as ethnic cleansing after most recent bout of persecution of the Muslim minority last year

Britain's UN envoy on Tuesday suggested the UN Security Council could consider helping Myanmar collect evidence of crimes committed during a military crackdown of the Rohingya people, denounced by the world body as ethnic cleansing after most recent bout of persecution of the Muslim minority last year. "What we`ve got to do on the council is to think how best to turn that into something operational, so that the evidence gets collected and given either to the Burmese authorities or to some sort of international mechanism," Britain`s UN Ambassador Karen Pierce told Reuters, as the Security Council wrapped up a four-day visit to Bangladesh and Myanmar on Tuesday. Britain`s Pierce told reporters that an investigation needs evidentiary standards to achieve accountability. "There are two ways of doing that basically, one is an International Criminal Court referral, the second would be the Burmese government do that themselves," Pierce said. The Myanmar mission to the United Nations did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Pierce’s suggestion. Myanmar`s de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi pledged investigations if credible evidence was provided and military chief Min Aung Hlaing vowed "harsh action" over sexual violence during separate meetings with Security Council envoys in the country`s capital Naypyitaw on Monday, diplomats said. But Suu Kyi`s civilian government has little control over the Myanmar military. Members of the UN Security Council travelled to Myanmar`s Rakhine state, where the United Nations and rights groups say nearly 700,000 Rohingya have fled to Bangladesh since August. Fleeing refugees have reported killings, rapes and arson. Rohingya insurgent attacks on Rakhine security posts led to the military operation that Myanmar deemed a legitimate response. In Rakhine, data from the UN Operational Satellite Applications Programme (UNOSAT) has shown hundreds of villages once inhabited by the Rohingya have now been burned down. Many such villages could be seen from the Myanmar military helicopters that carried the UN envoys to northern Rakhine. Security Council envoys were shown a reception centre Myanmar has built for repatriating Rohingya, aiming to accept a total of 150 people a day, and a transit camp that can house 30,000 returnees. The envoys passed two bulldozed villages near the camp. Investigations and Options Last November, the Myanmar`s military released a report denying all accusations of rape and killings by security forces. But the US government is conducting an intensive examination of allegations of atrocities against the Rohingya that could be used to prosecute Myanmar`s military officials for crimes against humanity, US officials have told Reuters. Meanwhile the prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) has asked it to rule on whether it has jurisdiction over the deportations of Rohingyas to Bangladesh, a possible crime against humanity, but Suu Kyi`s government has expressed "serious concern" over the move. Bangladesh is a member of the ICC but Myanmar is not, so if the ICC rules that it does not have jurisdiction, the U.N. Security Council could then choose to refer the situation in Myanmar to the court. In December, US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley said Myanmar must allow an "independent, transparent and credible investigation into what has happened." One way the Security Council could help Myanmar could be to mandate a UN investigative team to collect, preserve and store evidence, just as it did in Iraq last year when it investigated acts by Islamic State that may be war crimes. The United Nations General Assembly could alternatively create an international inquiry into the most serious crimes committed against the Rohingya, similar to what the UN has done in Syria. Russia`s deputy UN Ambassador Dmitry Polyanskiy was wary of Security Council involvement though because Myanmar said it was willing to tackle the issue. Any Council resolution would need nine votes in favour and no vetoes by either Russia or China, an ally of Myanmar.

UN could help Myanmar gather evidence of crimes against Rohingya: British Envoy

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/collegium-meets-but-defers-decision-on-justice-josephs-elevation-to-supreme-court-134254">Collegium </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/collegium-meets-but-defers-decision-on-justice-josephs-elevation-to-supreme-court-134254">meets,</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/collegium-meets-but-defers-decision-on-justice-josephs-elevation-to-supreme-court-134254"> but defers </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/collegium-meets-but-defers-decision-on-justice-josephs-elevation-to-supreme-court-134254">decision</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/collegium-meets-but-defers-decision-on-justice-josephs-elevation-to-supreme-court-134254"> on Justice Joseph's elevation to Supreme Court</a>

The collegium met Wednesday but deferred its decision on the elevation of Uttarakhand High Court Chief Justice KM Joseph to the Supreme Court. Justice Joseph's name had recently been returned by the government to the collegium for reconsideration.&nbsp

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/hundreds-of-dead-baby-girls-found-dumped-in-pakistan-134216">Hundreds of dead baby girls found dumped in Pakistan</a>

Hundreds of dead babies have been found dumped in Pakistan in the last year, news reports said Wednesday. Since the beginning of 2017, a total of 345 newbornds have been found dumped in Karachi. 99 per cent of the babies were girls.&nbsp

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/why-not-pay-ias-officers-on-basis-of-calories-they-need-delhi-chief-minister-arvind-kerjiwal-134252">Why not pay IAS officers on basis of calories they need? Delhi Chief Minister Arvind </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/why-not-pay-ias-officers-on-basis-of-calories-they-need-delhi-chief-minister-arvind-kerjiwal-134252">Kerjiwal</a>

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has asked why IAS officers should not be paid on the basis of calories they need. Kejriwal was addressing a meeting of the Delhi Workers' Conference on May Day or International Workers' Day.&nbsp

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/rohingya-girl-recounts-horror-of-escape-to-un-security-council-envoys-134243">Rohingya girl recounts horror of escape to UN Security Council envoys</a>

Zohra Begum, 12, was one of several Rohingya refugees who met United Nations Security Council (UNSC) members over the weekend during their visit to the camps in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/journalist-jyotirmoy-dey-murder-case-chhota-rajan-gets-life-sentence-journalist-jigna-vora-acquitted-134229">Chhota Rajan, 7 others sentenced to life imprisonment in journalist J Dey murder case</a>

Mafia don Chhota Rajan was on Wednesday awarded life sentence by a special Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) &nbspcourt for the killing of journalist Jyotirmoy Dey seven years ago.&nbsp

Collegium meets, but defers decision on Justice Joseph's elevation to Supreme Court The collegium met Wednesday but deferred its decision on the elevation of Uttarakhand High Court Chief Justice KM Joseph to the Supreme Court. Justice Joseph's name had recently been returned by the government to the collegium for reconsideration. Hundreds of dead baby girls found dumped in Pakistan Hundreds of dead babies have been found dumped in Pakistan in the last year, news reports said Wednesday. Since the beginning of 2017, a total of 345 newbornds have been found dumped in Karachi. 99 per cent of the babies were girls. Why not pay IAS officers on basis of calories they need? Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kerjiwal Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has asked why IAS officers should not be paid on the basis of calories they need. Kejriwal was addressing a meeting of the Delhi Workers' Conference on May Day or International Workers' Day. Rohingya girl recounts horror of escape to UN Security Council envoys Zohra Begum, 12, was one of several Rohingya refugees who met United Nations Security Council (UNSC) members over the weekend during their visit to the camps in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh. Chhota Rajan, 7 others sentenced to life imprisonment in journalist J Dey murder case Mafia don Chhota Rajan was on Wednesday awarded life sentence by a special Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) &nbspcourt for the killing of journalist Jyotirmoy Dey seven years ago.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has asked India, China, Russia and Japan to collectively resolve the Rohingya crises.

She said she expects the countries to play a major role in resolving the crises.

Bangladesh PM raised the issue on her meet with UNSC delegation President Gustavo Meza-Cuadra.

She also urged the international community to continue putting up strong pressure on the Myanmar government to take back their Rohingya nationals from Bangladesh.&nbsp

"Myanmar should act in accordance with the agreement they have signed with Bangladesh (regarding the repatriation of the Rohingyas)," she said.

A Bangladesh media reports "Myanmar says its neighbour has only handed back 8,000 repatriation forms so far, many of them incomplete, delaying the return process."

According to the UN records, about 700,000 Rohingya Muslims have fled from Myanmar to Bangladesh to escape the violence and atrocities that prevails in Myanmar against the minorities.

The Rohingya deportation from Myanmar started since August 25, 2017 after the army launched a military crackdown on the minority community.

Myanmar does not consider Rohingya as an ethnic group and maintains that they are Bangladeshi migrants living illegally in the country.

The UN has described the atrocities by the Myanmar military on Rohingya refugees as a textbook example of ethnic cleansing while the rights groups called it a genocide.

The majority community in Myanmar, Buddhist, however, rejects the charge of ethnic cleansing. The Buddhists maintain that the security forces launched a counter-insurgency operation on August 25 to retaliate the Rohingya militant attacks. 
&nbsp

She also urged the international community to continue putting up strong pressure on the Myanmar government to take back their Rohingya nationals from Bangladesh

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has asked India, China, Russia and Japan to collectively resolve the Rohingya crises. She said she expects the countries to play a major role in resolving the crises. Bangladesh PM raised the issue on her meet with UNSC delegation President Gustavo Meza-Cuadra. She also urged the international community to continue putting up strong pressure on the Myanmar government to take back their Rohingya nationals from Bangladesh. "Myanmar should act in accordance with the agreement they have signed with Bangladesh (regarding the repatriation of the Rohingyas)," she said. A Bangladesh media reports "Myanmar says its neighbour has only handed back 8,000 repatriation forms so far, many of them incomplete, delaying the return process." According to the UN records, about 700,000 Rohingya Muslims have fled from Myanmar to Bangladesh to escape the violence and atrocities that prevails in Myanmar against the minorities. The Rohingya deportation from Myanmar started since August 25, 2017 after the army launched a military crackdown on the minority community. Myanmar does not consider Rohingya as an ethnic group and maintains that they are Bangladeshi migrants living illegally in the country. The UN has described the atrocities by the Myanmar military on Rohingya refugees as a textbook example of ethnic cleansing while the rights groups called it a genocide. The majority community in Myanmar, Buddhist, however, rejects the charge of ethnic cleansing. The Buddhists maintain that the security forces launched a counter-insurgency operation on August 25 to retaliate the Rohingya militant attacks.

Bangladesh PM urges India, China, Japan, Russia to help in resolving Rohingya crises

Myanmar's military has assured the United Nations of "harsh" action against perpetrators of sexual violence, state media reported on Tuesday, as UN&nbspenvoys travelled to Rakhine State where the military conducted a widely criticised crackdown.

Nearly 700,000 Rohingya Muslims fled from Rakhine State to Bangladesh to flee a military crackdown launched in August that the United Nations and others denounced as "a textbook example of ethnic cleansing".

Many of the refugees arriving in Bangladesh recounted incidents of killings and rape but Myanmar largely rejected those reports as well as the accusation of ethnic cleansing.

It said its forces were engaged in a legitimate security campaign in response to a string of Rohingya insurgents attacks on the security forces.

The Security Council envoys arrived in Myanmar on Monday after visiting refugee camps on the Bangladesh side of the border, and government leaders in Dhaka.

In Myanmar, they met separately with Myanmar government leader Aung San Suu Kyi and military Commander-in-Chief Min Aung Hlaing.

"Sexual violence (is) considered as despicable acts," the state-run Global New Light of Myanmar newspaper cited Min Aung Hlaing as telling the envoys.

The military was "taking harsh and stronger actions against such offenders", he said.

Nobel Peace Prize laureate Suu Kyi, in her meeting with the envoys, pledged to investigate any credible accusations of abuse, said diplomats who attended.

During the nearly hour-long meeting, Suu Kyi, noted Myanmar's difficulties in transitioning to rule of law after decades of military dictatorship, said the diplomats, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Suu Kyi's civilian government has no control over the military.

Myanmar civilian government spokesman Zaw Htay was not immediately available for comment.

'Cooperation needed'

Tuesday is the final day of a four-day visit to the region by the UN&nbspSecurity Council team.

The Security Council asked Myanmar in November to ensure no "further excessive use of military force" and to allow "freedom of movement, equal access to basic services, and equal access to full citizenship for all".

Earlier on Monday, the council envoys met Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who asked them to press Myanmar to take back "their citizens".

Hasina said the refugees should return "under UN&nbspsupervision where security and safety should be ensured".

Myanmar and Bangladesh agreed in January to complete the voluntary repatriation of the refugees within two years but differences between the two sides remain and implementation of the plan has been slow.

Suu Kyi's office also said in a statement that cooperation was needed from Bangladesh on the repatriation of refugees.

Buddhist-majority Myanmar has for years denied Rohingya citizenship, freedom of movement and access to basic services such as healthcare. Many in Myanmar regard Rohingya as illegal immigrants from mostly Muslim Bangladesh.

The Security Council envoys arrived in Myanmar on Monday after visiting refugee camps on the Bangladesh side of the border

Myanmar's military has assured the United Nations of "harsh" action against perpetrators of sexual violence, state media reported on Tuesday, as UN&nbspenvoys travelled to Rakhine State where the military conducted a widely criticised crackdown. Nearly 700,000 Rohingya Muslims fled from Rakhine State to Bangladesh to flee a military crackdown launched in August that the United Nations and others denounced as "a textbook example of ethnic cleansing". Many of the refugees arriving in Bangladesh recounted incidents of killings and rape but Myanmar largely rejected those reports as well as the accusation of ethnic cleansing. It said its forces were engaged in a legitimate security campaign in response to a string of Rohingya insurgents attacks on the security forces. The Security Council envoys arrived in Myanmar on Monday after visiting refugee camps on the Bangladesh side of the border, and government leaders in Dhaka. In Myanmar, they met separately with Myanmar government leader Aung San Suu Kyi and military Commander-in-Chief Min Aung Hlaing. "Sexual violence (is) considered as despicable acts," the state-run Global New Light of Myanmar newspaper cited Min Aung Hlaing as telling the envoys. The military was "taking harsh and stronger actions against such offenders", he said. Nobel Peace Prize laureate Suu Kyi, in her meeting with the envoys, pledged to investigate any credible accusations of abuse, said diplomats who attended. During the nearly hour-long meeting, Suu Kyi, noted Myanmar's difficulties in transitioning to rule of law after decades of military dictatorship, said the diplomats, speaking on condition of anonymity. Suu Kyi's civilian government has no control over the military. Myanmar civilian government spokesman Zaw Htay was not immediately available for comment. 'Cooperation needed' Tuesday is the final day of a four-day visit to the region by the UN&nbspSecurity Council team. The Security Council asked Myanmar in November to ensure no "further excessive use of military force" and to allow "freedom of movement, equal access to basic services, and equal access to full citizenship for all". Earlier on Monday, the council envoys met Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who asked them to press Myanmar to take back "their citizens". Hasina said the refugees should return "under UN&nbspsupervision where security and safety should be ensured". Myanmar and Bangladesh agreed in January to complete the voluntary repatriation of the refugees within two years but differences between the two sides remain and implementation of the plan has been slow. Suu Kyi's office also said in a statement that cooperation was needed from Bangladesh on the repatriation of refugees. Buddhist-majority Myanmar has for years denied Rohingya citizenship, freedom of movement and access to basic services such as healthcare. Many in Myanmar regard Rohingya as illegal immigrants from mostly Muslim Bangladesh.

Myanmar military assures UN of 'harsh' action on sexual assault

Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh made emotional pleas to the UN&nbspSecurity Council on Sunday for help to return safely to their homes in neighboring Myanmar and for justice over the reason they fled - accusations of killings, rapes and arson.

During a visit to an unclaimed strip of territory between the two states dubbed no-man's land, several tearful women and girls threw themselves at British UN&nbspAmbassador Karen Pierce as they recounted what had happened to them.

"It shows the scale of the challenge as we try as a Security Council to find some way through that enables these poor people to go home," Pierce said. "The sad thing is there's nothing we can do right today that will make their distress any less."

The Security Council envoys - who will travel to Myanmar on Monday and meet with its de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi - also visited a dry and dusty Kutupalong refugee camp that housed many of the nearly 700,000 Rohingya who fled Myanmar's Rakhine state.

"It's quite overwhelming. Obviously the scale of this camp is unlike anything I've ever seen," said deputy US&nbspAmbassador to the United Nations Kelley Currie. "It is going to be a disaster when the rains come."

United Nations officials and aid groups have voiced concern that the coming monsoon season will worsen the humanitarian situation. Hundreds of thousands of refugees are living in temporary shelters made of bamboo and tarpaulins at Kutupalong, many on steep hills and in low-lying areas likely to be flooded.

Myanmar's Social Welfare Minister Win Myat Aye, who visited the camps in Bangladesh earlier this month, expressed concern about "very poor conditions."

Justice demand

The refugee crisis exploded about eight months ago when the Myanmar military launched a crackdown over Rohingya insurgent attacks on security posts. The United States, Britain, United Nations and others described the operation as ethnic cleansing of the minority mainly Muslim Rohingya, a charge Myanmar denies.

Hundreds of refugees lined a road in Kutupalong camp on Sunday with signs that read "we demand justice" and "protected return to protected homeland."

"We are standing here to demand justice as they (Myanmar military) have killed our men and tortured our women so much, so we are compelled to seek justice for those abuses," Rohingya refugee Sajida Begum told Reuters.

Several female refugees who met with council envoys accused Myanmar troops of gang-raping them, attacking their young children and killing their husbands. Myanmar has said that its operations in Rakhine were a legitimate response to attacks on security forces by Rohingya insurgents.

"This is very complicated issue, and it's related with history, with ethnicity, with religions," Chinese deputy UN&nbspAmbassador Wu Haitao told reporters, in response to a question about whether China and Russia were preventing the council from considering a resolution on Myanmar.

"There is no easy answer but if we all work together I think we can find a way," he said.

However, while the Security Council is united on travelling to the region, diplomats said they expect Myanmar ally China and Russia - both veto-wielding powers on the council - to resist any push for stronger council action, such as sanctions or a referral of the situation to the International Criminal Court.

"We don't have any magic solution in the Security Council," deputy Russian UN&nbspAmbassador Dmitry Polyanskiy told reporters in response to a question about whether the council would consider itself responsible for failing to address the crisis.

"The issue is still for us to promote bilateral ways to resolve this issue. We will try to convince both governments ... to engage in constructive negotiations, discussion," he said.

The council adopted a formal statement in November - a move that requires consensus by the 15-member body - that asked Myanmar to ensure no "further excessive use of military force" and to allow "freedom of movement, equal access to basic services, and equal access to full citizenship for all."

Buddhist-majority Myanmar has for years denied Rohingya citizenship, freedom of movement and access to many basic services such as healthcare and education. They are considered illegal immigrants from mainly Muslim Bangladesh.

The refugee crisis exploded about eight months ago when the Myanmar military launched a crackdown over Rohingya insurgent attacks on security posts

Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh made emotional pleas to the UN&nbspSecurity Council on Sunday for help to return safely to their homes in neighboring Myanmar and for justice over the reason they fled - accusations of killings, rapes and arson. During a visit to an unclaimed strip of territory between the two states dubbed no-man's land, several tearful women and girls threw themselves at British UN&nbspAmbassador Karen Pierce as they recounted what had happened to them. "It shows the scale of the challenge as we try as a Security Council to find some way through that enables these poor people to go home," Pierce said. "The sad thing is there's nothing we can do right today that will make their distress any less." The Security Council envoys - who will travel to Myanmar on Monday and meet with its de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi - also visited a dry and dusty Kutupalong refugee camp that housed many of the nearly 700,000 Rohingya who fled Myanmar's Rakhine state. "It's quite overwhelming. Obviously the scale of this camp is unlike anything I've ever seen," said deputy US&nbspAmbassador to the United Nations Kelley Currie. "It is going to be a disaster when the rains come." United Nations officials and aid groups have voiced concern that the coming monsoon season will worsen the humanitarian situation. Hundreds of thousands of refugees are living in temporary shelters made of bamboo and tarpaulins at Kutupalong, many on steep hills and in low-lying areas likely to be flooded. Myanmar's Social Welfare Minister Win Myat Aye, who visited the camps in Bangladesh earlier this month, expressed concern about "very poor conditions." Justice demand The refugee crisis exploded about eight months ago when the Myanmar military launched a crackdown over Rohingya insurgent attacks on security posts. The United States, Britain, United Nations and others described the operation as ethnic cleansing of the minority mainly Muslim Rohingya, a charge Myanmar denies. Hundreds of refugees lined a road in Kutupalong camp on Sunday with signs that read "we demand justice" and "protected return to protected homeland." "We are standing here to demand justice as they (Myanmar military) have killed our men and tortured our women so much, so we are compelled to seek justice for those abuses," Rohingya refugee Sajida Begum told Reuters. Several female refugees who met with council envoys accused Myanmar troops of gang-raping them, attacking their young children and killing their husbands. Myanmar has said that its operations in Rakhine were a legitimate response to attacks on security forces by Rohingya insurgents. "This is very complicated issue, and it's related with history, with ethnicity, with religions," Chinese deputy UN&nbspAmbassador Wu Haitao told reporters, in response to a question about whether China and Russia were preventing the council from considering a resolution on Myanmar. "There is no easy answer but if we all work together I think we can find a way," he said. However, while the Security Council is united on travelling to the region, diplomats said they expect Myanmar ally China and Russia - both veto-wielding powers on the council - to resist any push for stronger council action, such as sanctions or a referral of the situation to the International Criminal Court. "We don't have any magic solution in the Security Council," deputy Russian UN&nbspAmbassador Dmitry Polyanskiy told reporters in response to a question about whether the council would consider itself responsible for failing to address the crisis. "The issue is still for us to promote bilateral ways to resolve this issue. We will try to convince both governments ... to engage in constructive negotiations, discussion," he said. The council adopted a formal statement in November - a move that requires consensus by the 15-member body - that asked Myanmar to ensure no "further excessive use of military force" and to allow "freedom of movement, equal access to basic services, and equal access to full citizenship for all." Buddhist-majority Myanmar has for years denied Rohingya citizenship, freedom of movement and access to many basic services such as healthcare and education. They are considered illegal immigrants from mainly Muslim Bangladesh.

Rohingya refugees tearfully plead for UN Security Council help

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina asked the U.N. Security Council on Monday to press Myanmar to take back hundreds of thousands of Rohingya Muslims who fled a military crackdown to take refuge in her country.

Security Council envoys visited Hasina in the Bangladeshi capital, Dhaka, before travelling to Myanmar for meetings with its government leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, and military Commander-in-Chief Min Aung Hlaing later on Monday.

“They should put more pressure on the Myanmar government so that they take their citizens back to their country. That’s what we want,” Hasina told reporters.

The visit by the Security Council envoys, to see the aftermath of a military operation in Myanmar’s western Rakhine State, puts a global spotlight on the crisis which the United Nations and others have denounced as ethnic cleansing of Rohingya Muslims.

Myanmar denies the accusation, saying the military was engaged in a legitimate counter-insurgency operation.

Rohingya insurgent attacks on security posts in Rakhine State in August last year sparked the crackdown that, according to the UN&nbspand rights groups, sent nearly 700,000 Rohingya fleeing to camps in neighbouring Bangladesh.

Hasina said the refugees should return “under UN&nbspsupervision where security and safety should be ensured”.

“They want to go back to their own country. So the Security Council can play a very pivotal role,” she added.

When asked if UN&nbspsupervision meant the deployment of peacekeepers, Hasina said: “Not exactly, well, that the UN&nbspwill decide”.

Myanmar government spokesman Zaw Htay did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Social Welfare Minister Win Myat Aye, who is leading rehabilitation efforts in Rakhine, declined to comment.

Kuwait’s UN&nbspAmbassador Mansour al-Otaibi, one of the envoys, told Hasina the Security Council wanted to “send a clear strong message ... that we’re determined to end this humanitarian crisis”.&nbsp

The envoys visited camps on Sunday, where distraught refugees pleaded for help ahead of the coming monsoon season. Many live in bamboo-and-plastic structures perched on hills in the southeast Bangladesh district of Cox’s Bazar.

Difficulties

Myanmar and Bangladesh agreed in January to complete the voluntary repatriation of the refugees within two years but differences between the two sides remain and implementation of the plan has been slow.&nbsp

“We know there are difficulties in the talks between Bangladesh and Myanmar on the return of the refugees but it is important ... to create the appropriate conditions for the refugees to go back freely and voluntarily to their home of origin,” said al-Otaibi.&nbsp

The envoys are due to travel to Rakhine State on Tuesday.&nbsp

The Security Council asked Myanmar in November to ensure no “further excessive use of military force” and to allow “freedom of movement, equal access to basic services, and equal access to full citizenship for all”.

They will seek to push the Myanmar government to implement those requests, diplomats said.&nbsp

Hasina also called on Myanmar to implement the recommendations of a commission headed by former UN&nbspSecretary-General Kofi Annan, which was appointed by Suu Kyi in 2016 to investigate how to solve Rakhine’s long-standing tensions.Among the commission’s recommendations was a review of a Myanmar law that links citizenship and ethnicity and leaves most Rohingya stateless. &nbsp

Buddhist-majority Myanmar has for years denied Rohingya citizenship, freedom of movement and access to basic services such as healthcare. Many in Myanmar regard Rohingya as illegal immigrants from mostly Muslim Bangladesh.

Security Council envoys visited Hasina in the Bangladeshi capital, Dhaka, before travelling to Myanmar for meetings with its government leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, and military Commander-in-Chief Min Aung Hlaing later on Monday

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina asked the U.N. Security Council on Monday to press Myanmar to take back hundreds of thousands of Rohingya Muslims who fled a military crackdown to take refuge in her country. Security Council envoys visited Hasina in the Bangladeshi capital, Dhaka, before travelling to Myanmar for meetings with its government leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, and military Commander-in-Chief Min Aung Hlaing later on Monday. “They should put more pressure on the Myanmar government so that they take their citizens back to their country. That’s what we want,” Hasina told reporters. The visit by the Security Council envoys, to see the aftermath of a military operation in Myanmar’s western Rakhine State, puts a global spotlight on the crisis which the United Nations and others have denounced as ethnic cleansing of Rohingya Muslims. Myanmar denies the accusation, saying the military was engaged in a legitimate counter-insurgency operation. Rohingya insurgent attacks on security posts in Rakhine State in August last year sparked the crackdown that, according to the UN&nbspand rights groups, sent nearly 700,000 Rohingya fleeing to camps in neighbouring Bangladesh. Hasina said the refugees should return “under UN&nbspsupervision where security and safety should be ensured”. “They want to go back to their own country. So the Security Council can play a very pivotal role,” she added. When asked if UN&nbspsupervision meant the deployment of peacekeepers, Hasina said: “Not exactly, well, that the UN&nbspwill decide”. Myanmar government spokesman Zaw Htay did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Social Welfare Minister Win Myat Aye, who is leading rehabilitation efforts in Rakhine, declined to comment. Kuwait’s UN&nbspAmbassador Mansour al-Otaibi, one of the envoys, told Hasina the Security Council wanted to “send a clear strong message ... that we’re determined to end this humanitarian crisis”. The envoys visited camps on Sunday, where distraught refugees pleaded for help ahead of the coming monsoon season. Many live in bamboo-and-plastic structures perched on hills in the southeast Bangladesh district of Cox’s Bazar. Difficulties Myanmar and Bangladesh agreed in January to complete the voluntary repatriation of the refugees within two years but differences between the two sides remain and implementation of the plan has been slow. “We know there are difficulties in the talks between Bangladesh and Myanmar on the return of the refugees but it is important ... to create the appropriate conditions for the refugees to go back freely and voluntarily to their home of origin,” said al-Otaibi. The envoys are due to travel to Rakhine State on Tuesday. The Security Council asked Myanmar in November to ensure no “further excessive use of military force” and to allow “freedom of movement, equal access to basic services, and equal access to full citizenship for all”. They will seek to push the Myanmar government to implement those requests, diplomats said. Hasina also called on Myanmar to implement the recommendations of a commission headed by former UN&nbspSecretary-General Kofi Annan, which was appointed by Suu Kyi in 2016 to investigate how to solve Rakhine’s long-standing tensions.Among the commission’s recommendations was a review of a Myanmar law that links citizenship and ethnicity and leaves most Rohingya stateless. Buddhist-majority Myanmar has for years denied Rohingya citizenship, freedom of movement and access to basic services such as healthcare. Many in Myanmar regard Rohingya as illegal immigrants from mostly Muslim Bangladesh.

Bangladesh PM urges UN Security Council to press Myanmar on Rohingya repatriation

The United Nations Security Council, after visiting the Rohingya camp here on Sunday, said that there was no magic solution.

UN Security Council envoys began a four-day visit to Bangladesh and Myanmar on Saturday to see firsthand the aftermath of a Myanmar military crackdown that Britain, the United States and others have denounced as ethnic cleansing of Rohingya Muslims.

The UNSC team comprising of delegates from five permanent members China, France, Russia, UK and the US, and 10 other non-permanent members visited the Kutupalong refugee camp at Tombru border in Bandarban's Naikhyangchhari to assess the plight of the refugees there.

They are due to meet Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Myanmar’s de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi and travel to Rakhine state, where the violence erupted eight months ago. Myanmar denies the accusations of ethnic cleansing.

The Rohingya refugees arrived at the location, holding several posters and demanding safe repatriation back to Myanmar.

As per the Daily Star, at least 700,000 Rohingya people have fled to Myanmar since violence escalated following a military crackdown in Rakhine state back in August 2017.

The visit puts a global spotlight back on the crisis amid warnings by the United Nations, aid groups and Myanmar’s panel of international advisers on Rohingya issues that the coming monsoon season would likely worsen the humanitarian situation.

“We have to push to see how we can speed up the process of the implementation of the bilateral agreement between Bangladesh and Myanmar,” said Kuwait’s U.N. Ambassador Mansour Ayyad Al-Otaibi.

Bangladesh has earlier assured assistance to the UN Security Council to help in the repatriation process.

Earlier on April 16, the Myanmar government said in a Facebook post that a family of five had returned to the country from the border area between Bangladesh and Myanmar.

This claim was rejected by a Europe-based website named Rohingya Blogger which called it to be a deception. 
&nbsp;

The UNSC team comprising of delegates from five permanent members China, France, Russia, UK and the US, and 10 other non-permanent members visited the Kutupalong refugee camp at Tombru border in Bandarban's Naikhyangchhari to assess the plight of the refugees there

The United Nations Security Council, after visiting the Rohingya camp here on Sunday, said that there was no magic solution. UN Security Council envoys began a four-day visit to Bangladesh and Myanmar on Saturday to see firsthand the aftermath of a Myanmar military crackdown that Britain, the United States and others have denounced as ethnic cleansing of Rohingya Muslims. The UNSC team comprising of delegates from five permanent members China, France, Russia, UK and the US, and 10 other non-permanent members visited the Kutupalong refugee camp at Tombru border in Bandarban's Naikhyangchhari to assess the plight of the refugees there. They are due to meet Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Myanmar’s de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi and travel to Rakhine state, where the violence erupted eight months ago. Myanmar denies the accusations of ethnic cleansing. The Rohingya refugees arrived at the location, holding several posters and demanding safe repatriation back to Myanmar. As per the Daily Star, at least 700,000 Rohingya people have fled to Myanmar since violence escalated following a military crackdown in Rakhine state back in August 2017. The visit puts a global spotlight back on the crisis amid warnings by the United Nations, aid groups and Myanmar’s panel of international advisers on Rohingya issues that the coming monsoon season would likely worsen the humanitarian situation. “We have to push to see how we can speed up the process of the implementation of the bilateral agreement between Bangladesh and Myanmar,” said Kuwait’s U.N. Ambassador Mansour Ayyad Al-Otaibi. Bangladesh has earlier assured assistance to the UN Security Council to help in the repatriation process. Earlier on April 16, the Myanmar government said in a Facebook post that a family of five had returned to the country from the border area between Bangladesh and Myanmar. This claim was rejected by a Europe-based website named Rohingya Blogger which called it to be a deception.

UN Security Council puts spotlight on Rohingya refugee crisis, says no magic solution

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Bangladesh PM urges UN Security Council to press Myanmar on Rohingya repatriation

UN Security Council puts spotlight on Rohingya refugee crisis, says no magic solution