Persecution of Rohingya in Myanmar is a textbook example of ethnic cleansing

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Raad al Hussein stated that members of the Muslim minority Rohingya in Myanmar are facing ethnic cleansing, world media report, according to the Patria agency.

- Myanmar has not allowed access to UN human rights investigators, so a full assessment of the situation cannot be carried out, but it appears to be a textbook example of ethnic cleansing - said Zeid Raad al Hussein at the opening of the 36th session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.

UN officials announced today that over 300,000 people have fled Myanmar to neighboring Bangladesh in two weeks.

Zeid Raad said he was shocked by reports that Myanmar security forces have allegedly begun laying mines along the border with Bangladesh.

Rohingya are allowed to return to their homes only if they possess Myanmar citizenship, but given that they are not recognized and do not have citizenship, the situation is extremely difficult.

- I call on the government to stop this cruel military operation and cease discriminating against the Rohingya - said Zeid.