BANGKOK -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres saie it's crucial that Myanmar's government immediately give Muslims either nationality or legal status so they can lead normal lives and freely move, find jobs, and get an education.
Guterres cited the longstanding history of "discrimination, hopelessness and extreme poverty" against Rohingya Muslims in Rakhine State and warned about possible ethnic cleansing.
The U.N. chief reiterated his condemnation of recent attacks by Rohingya insurgents.
But he said now the UN is receiving "constant reports of violence by Myanmar's security forces, including indiscriminate attacks." And he warned that it will further increase radicalization.
Guterres said nearly 125,000 victims of unbearable suffering and desperation have sought refuge in Bangladesh and many people have lost their lives trying to flee the violence.
He appealed to civilian and military authorities in Myanmar to end the violence. (AP)