OIC Secretary General Dr. Yousef A. Al-Othaimeen stated that in view of the worsening crisis in Rakhine state, Myanmar, that has resulted in the loss of innocent life and displaced tens of thousands of Rohingya people, it is imperative that the Myanmar government takes clear and decisive steps to stem the violence and restore calm to the region. The Secretary General expressed his support for the recent statements issued by OIC Member States, which highlighted concern over the violence and the deteriorating humanitarian situation facing the Rohingya. The Secretary General emphasized that it is a charter obligation of OIC Member States to "safeguard the rights, dignity and religious and cultural identity of Muslim communities and minorities in non-Member-states". He further called upon Member States to raise the plight of the Rohingya with the Myanmar Government at every opportunity and to remain seized with the issue. The Secretary General reiterated the OIC's call upon the Myanmar authorities to ensure that the security services act in full compliance with the rule of law and allow humanitarian aid agencies access to the affected region to provide needed relief to the victims.
