Expressing deep anguish and concern over escalation of violence in Rakhine State and the attacks against unarmed civilians, world organisations have urged Myanmar to prioritise protection of civilians in Rakhine State and address the roots of the conflict.

A joint statement signed by 114 civil society organisations, people's organisations and 32 individuals addressed to Myanmar and ASEAN called on Myanmar to cease violence against and abuses of unarmed civilians in Rakhine State.

They also urged the Myanmar government to prioritise immediate dialogue between Myanmar and other ASEAN members on Rohingya issue to seek a sustainable solution to the conflict and to address the continuous rights violations against the Rohingya and other minorities in Myanmar.

There will be no end to the cycles of conflict and displacement in Rakhine State without addressing the main drivers and the roots of this conflict, the statement said.

The signatories also called on Myanmar military to comply with relevant international human rights and humanitarian law standards and norms, particularly with regards to the protection of civilians in conflict, and protection of children, women and minorities.

It urged the Myanmar civilian government to publicly call on the military to protect civilians and abide by international law in its military engagements, and hold accountable any soldiers and civilians who have committed crimes in the conduct of military operations.