The U.N.’s human rights chief showed serious concern for the Muslim Rohingya ethnic minority in Myanmar following reports of numerous deaths in recent clashes between the military government and the Arakan Army, an armed rebel group. The U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, expressed deep alarm over the deteriorating situation in Myanmar, particularly in Rakhine State, where hundreds of civilians have allegedly been killed while trying to escape the violence.

According to the U.N., both the military and the Arakan Army have been implicated in serious human rights violations against the Rohingya, including extrajudicial killings, abductions, forced recruitment, indiscriminate bombings, and arson attacks. An attack on the Naf River bordering Bangladesh on Aug. 5 resulted in dozens of reported casualties, including from armed drones, with unclear responsibility.

The Arakan Army, representing the Buddhist Rakhine ethnic group, has denied involvement in the attack on Rohingya fleeing the conflict in Maungdaw. However, reports contradict this denial and indicate their role. The ongoing clashes in Rakhine have raised concerns of renewed violence against the Rohingya minority, who suffered a brutal crackdown in 2017, forcing hundreds of thousands to seek refuge in Bangladesh.

Despite residing in Myanmar for generations, the Rohingya face widespread discrimination, lack citizenship, and basic rights in the predominantly Buddhist country. The recent attacks on the Rohingya have been likened to the atrocities of 2017 by Amnesty International and other human rights organizations. The Myanmar military’s recruitment of Rohingya combatants and the escalation of violence have alarmed international human rights groups.

Humanitarian groups have highlighted the urgent need for international protection and aid for the Rohingya trapped in conflict zones. The situation in Rakhine remains volatile, with fears of ethnic cleansing escalating. The call for an immediate cessation of violence and protection of civilians in Myanmar is growing stronger amidst the reports of targeted attacks and grave human rights abuses.