UN calls for voluntary relocation of displaced people in Myanmar's Rakhine state

UNITED NATIONS, July 1 (Xinhua) -- The UN humanitarian head in Myanmar on Monday called for "voluntary" relocation of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the conflict-stricken Rakhine State of the country, a UN spokesman told reporters here.

"The Acting Humanitarian Coordinator for Myanmar, Eamonn Murphy, said today that there have been two incidents in recent weeks in Myanmar's Rakhine State, where displaced people have lost their lives while protesting plans for relocation to temporary shelters, " said Eduardo del Buey, UN deputy spokesperson, at the daily briefing.

Murphy stressed that "any relocation of internally displaced people should be voluntary and resolved without the use of force."

According to del Buey, the humanitarian coordinator urged " broader confidence and trust building measures between the communities and the government, starting with clear communication of the government's vision and plans for the short and long term for all people in Rakhine State, particularly those who are currently displaced."

Murphy also said that the international community stands ready to assist in any way it can.

Several waves of clashes between ethnic Rakhine Buddhists and Rohingya Muslims, the first of which occurred in June last year, have left 140,000 people displaced within Rakhine State, according to UN.

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