The peace committee formed by the civil society organizations in Rakhine State issued a statement on August 25 demanding that the ongoing military operations from both sides be halted. 

The local CSOs are gravely concerned that the Covid-19 outbreak is getting high as a pandemic in Rakhine State. 

With the movement of people being restricted due to the increasing Covid-19 cases and about 200,000 people being displaced by armed conflict, they are facing difficulty with their basic needs such as food and clothing. The committee therefore urges the government to provide humanitarian aid for the Rakhine people. 

The government is also urged to allow humanitarian aid organizations to work freely in the state. 

It has been about two years since fighting started in Rakhine State. Even as the Covid-19 outbreak increases, military buildup and operations are increasing there, the committee points out.

It calls for efforts of all stakeholders to establish a federal democratic union and a total end to the military operations from both sides in the state. 

It also demands human rights violations over Rakhine people be promptly stopped as innocent civilians are subjected to arrests, tortures and killings. 

Another demand is that 4G internet be restored in all the townships of Rakhine State so that timely information about public health data can be available during the pandemic.