Asean condemns Myanmar hospital airstrike, urges halt to violence

KUALA LUMPUR (Bernama) - Asean has urged all parties in Myanmar to take concrete and immediate action to halt indiscriminate violence and end targeted attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure, following a deadly airstrike on a hospital in western Rakhine State on Wednesday. 

According to the Asean Chair’s Statement issued on Saturday, Asean expressed deep concern and strongly condemned the airstrike on Mrauk-U Hospital, which resulted in the deaths of at least 31 civilians and injured at least 76 others.

The statement said that attacks targeting civilians and medical facilities, in violation of international humanitarian law, including the Geneva Conventions of 1949, are unacceptable and inconsistent with the principles enshrined in the Asean Charter.

"We extend our deepest sympathy and condolences to the bereaved families of the victims and the affected communities, and wish the injured a quick recovery.

"We urge all parties in Myanmar to take concrete action to immediately halt indiscriminate violence, stop targeted attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure, exercise utmost restraint and ensure the protection and safety of all civilians and civilian infrastructure,” the statement read.