Turkish MP calls for sensitivity towards Rohingya issue

By Emin Avundukluoglu and Kadir Karakus

ANKARA

Turkish Parliament's Human Rights Committee head on Thursday called on the international community to show sensitivity to the plight of Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar's western Rakhine state.

Speaking to Anadolu Agency, Omer Serdar condemned the reports of attacks on 16 mosques by the Myanmar army and Buddhist mobs in early December.

He said the destruction of Muslims' places of worship in Rakhine by "Buddhist fanatics" was a "grave" violation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

"We call on the international community to show more sensitivity to the issue," he added.

The Rohingya, described by the UN as the world's most persecuted people, have faced heightened fears of attack since dozens were killed in communal violence in 2012.

Since Aug. 25, over 646,000 Rohingya have crossed from Rakhine into Bangladesh, according to the UN.

The refugees are fleeing a military operation in which security forces and Buddhist mobs have killed men, women and children, looted homes, and torched Rohingya villages.