Amid a global funding crisis, Rohingyas in both Bangladesh and Myanmar are enduring dire conditions compounded by drastic cut to food assistance, said UN Human Rights Spokesperson Jeremy Laurence.

“We implore the international community to step up support for the Rohingya by increasing humanitarian funding to secure access to basic needs and essential services, and to resolutely support international accountability processes,” the spokesperson said, marking the eighth anniversary of military assaults on the Rohingya in Myanmar.

The UN Human Rights Office called for ending impunity in the violence against Rohingya people in Myanmar, and ensuring their rights to security, citizenship and equality.

“Ending impunity and ensuring the Rohingya’s rights to security, citizenship and equality are essential for breaking the cycle of violence,” said Laurence at the UN bi-weekly press briefing held in Geneva recently.

Since November 2023, the human rights and humanitarian situation in Rakhine have sharply deteriorated, further deepening the already life-threatening conditions faced by the Rohingya.

UN member states urged to pursue accountability for Rohingya genocide

“Both the military and the Arakan Army have committed and continue to commit serious atrocity crimes against the Rohingya with impunity in flagrant violation of international law, including the provisional measures ordered by the International Court of Justice,” Laurence said.