UNITED NATIONS (TIP): The United Nations general assembly’s human rights committee on Wednesday criticized Myanmar for its treatment of the nation’s Muslim minority and urged the country to change its citizenship rules to make Rohingya full citizens.

Although many have lived in Myanmar for generations, the Rohingya minority in the country also known as Burma is not one of the 135 ethnic groups recognized under the country’s 1982 citizenship law and are thus entitled to only limited rights.

The non-binding draft resolution, co-sponsored by European nations, the United States and other Western states, was adopted by consensus during a meeting of the 193-nation assembly’s “Third Committee”, which focuses on human rights.

The resolution said the assembly “reiterates its serious concern about the situation of the Rohingyas in Rakhine State and of other minorities subject to marginalization and instances of human rights violations and abuses.”

It added that the assembly “calls upon the government of Myanmar to protect the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all individuals, including persons belonging to the Rohingya minority.” The resolution said Rohingyas should have full citizenship and related rights in Myanmar.

The resolution also welcomed the positive developments in Myanmar, including political and economic reform and democratization. It called for bringing all institutions, including the military, under a civilian government with a fully elected parliament.

The resolution will be put to another vote at a plenary session of the General Assembly next month. (Source: Reuters)