UN calls for Rohingya to take part in Myanmar election

Eight Security Council members called Friday for the Muslim Rohingya minority_ victims in 2017 of what the UN calls a "genocide_" to participate in Myanmar's Nov. 8 elections. The statement_ published after a closed-door video conference_ is signed by Belgium_ the Dominican Republic_ Estonia_ France_ Germany_ Tunisia_ Britain and the United States.  We recognise the efforts made by Myanmar s government in the country s democratisation_ the signatories emphasise. The signatories underlines underlined their commitment to ensuring individuals from all communities_ including Rohingya_ were able to participate  safely_ fully_ and equally in credible and inclusive elections. They expressed concern about continuing clashes in Myanmar s Rakhine and Chin States_ calling for an  immediate cessation of hostilities. Since 2017_ some 740_000 Rohingya have fled Myanmar s military abuses and taken refuge in neighboring Bangladesh.The crisis has led Burma to be accused of  genocide before the International Court of Justice_ the UN s highest judicial body. The statement from the eight countries urges Myanmar  to accelerate its efforts to address the long-term causes of the crisis in Rakhine and create conditions conducive to the safe_ voluntary_ sustainable_ and dignified return of refugees. -Source: The Star