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UN rights envoy concludes visit to conflict-torn Rakine

Yanghee Lee given full access to most areas to investigate human rights situation
UN rights envoy concludes visit to conflict-torn Rakine
Published: January 18, 2017 09:50 AM GMT
Updated: January 18, 2017 09:51 AM GMT

The United Nation’s rights envoy to Myanmar has said her tour to northern Rakine State "was useful" as she investigated the human rights situation in the conflict-torn region.

UN Special Rapporteur to Myanmar, Yanghee Lee told The Irrawaddy Jan. 17 that her four-day visit to the region was "very useful" despite a number of "hitches".

"I was granted full access without security to most of the places I asked for," Lee told The Irrawaddy who additionally reported that there were several areas she was not allowed to visit.

As part of her Rakhine tour Lee visited a Muslim area in state capital Sittwe and a number of Rohingya villages.

Lee also met with state chief minister U Nyi Pu and officers at police posts that had been attacked on or since Oct. 9.

The Myanmar security forces launched a large-scale security operation in northern Rakhine State following the deadly attacks that were blamed on militants from the Rohingya minority.

Following the attacks, media and local rights groups reported numerous human rights abuses by security forces against Rohingya.

As part of her visit to Myanmar, Lee has been to conflict-torn northern Shan and Kachin states. In these areas, The Irrawaddy reported that Lee said she was frustrated at having her travel restricted by the authorities.

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