Washington, DC - The United States is deeply concerned by the ongoing shutdown of mobile data services in violence-affected areas of Rakhine and Chin States in Burma, which has curtailed some forms of Internet-based communication for as many as one million people.

Internet service should be restored without delay. Resumption of service would help facilitate transparency in and accountability for what the government claims are law enforcement actions aimed at preventing further outbreaks of violence in the affected areas, and would limit further damage to Burma’s international reputation. The United States will continue to support efforts toward a negotiated end to violence, calls for full humanitarian and media access to violence-affected areas, and accountability for those who commit human rights abuses and violations.