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UN calls for investigation into alleged abuses in Myanmar

A top United Nations envoy voiced grave concern Saturday over alleged abuses by Myanmar security forces after sectarian violence in Rakhine state and urged a full and credible state investigation.

A top United Nations envoy voiced grave concern Saturday over alleged abuses by Myanmar security forces after sectarian violence in Rakhine state and urged a full and credible state investigation.

Tomas Ojea Quintana, the UN special human rights rapporteur, called on the government to find out the truth about violence in June between ethnic Rakhine Buddhists and stateless Muslim Rohingyas, and to address reports of extrajudicial killings and torture by its police and soldiers.

"I am concerned ... at the allegations I have received of serious human rights violations committed as part of measures to restore law and order," Quintana said in a statement at the end of a six-day visit to Myanmar, his sixth to the country.

The conflict has exposed deep-rooted communal animosity and put the spotlight on promises by the government, in office since 2011, to protect human rights after decades of brutal army rule.

In a report this week citing witnesses and interviews with 57 people in Rakhine, the New York-based Human Rights Watch said there was evidence of "state-sponsored persecution and discrimination" against the Rohingyas, who number at least 800,000 in Myanmar.