The United Nations has urged Myanmar to allow life-saving aid to reach areas affected by the devastating Cyclone Mocha. UN rights chief Volker Turk called on the country’s military rulers to permit needs assessments and ensure access to essential aid and services. The cyclone brought torrential rain and 195km per hour winds to Myanmar and neighbouring Bangladesh on May 14, causing widespread damage and loss of life. Myanmar’s junta has reported 148 deaths, most of which occurred in the persecuted Rohingya minority in western Rakhine state.
Turk stated at a press conference in Geneva…
“The damage and loss of life was both foreseeable and avoidable – and is clearly linked with the systematic denial of human rights.”
He added…
“It is imperative that the military lift the blockages on travel, allow for needs assessments to happen, and…
