Statement from Arthur Larok, acting secretary general of ActionAid International:
ActionAid is horrified by reports of the attack on civilians in Kayah state which killed at least 35 people, including two staff members of the charity Save the Children. Civilians and humanitarian aid workers should not be a target of violence under any circumstances. We express our condolences to the families of those killed.
We call on all stakeholders to respect the fundamental human rights of all people in Myanmar and to refrain from all forms of violence against innocent civilians. The most vulnerable people across Myanmar should have full access to life-saving humanitarian assistance without any exception.
ActionAid has been working in Myanmar for 15 years to work towards social justice, gender equality, and poverty eradication. We are committed to continuing our humanitarian programs and stand with the most vulnerable people of Myanmar in this time of difficulty.