Below is an article published by UN News Centre:

Expressing concern about the humanitarian and human rights implications of increased hostilities between Government forces and rebels in Myanmar’s southeastern Kayin State [Karenni State], a United Nations human rights expert has urged the country to grant aid groups immediate access to affected civilians.

Paulo Sergio Pinheiro, the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, said in a statement last Friday that “humanitarian assistance should not be made hostage of politics,” but rather it “must only be guided by the best interests of the affected communities.”

Mr. Pinheiro made his recommendations after hearing testimonies of villagers who had fled fighting in Toungoo District and Eastern Bago Division. These people, who had already been forced to leave their homes on several occasions, confirmed allegations the Special Rapporteur had heard last year of human rights violations and lack of humanitarian assistance in these areas.

He called on the Government to immediately grant access to and guarantee the safety and freedom of movement to the UN, as well as other aid workers, as these groups seek to assist those in need.

“It would be a terrible mistake to wait for the political normalization of Myanmar to help and to empower the affected communities and their representatives,” the Special Rapporteur said.

In Kayin State, also known as Karen State, Myanmar’s military has continued counter-insurgency operations against civilians, driving thousands of ethnic minorities out of their homes. Over 100,000 refugees from this region have fled to border camps in Thailand, where some have lived for over 20 years.