A group of UN human rights experts is urging Burma's government to stop what it calls discriminatory practices against Muslim minorities in the north of the country.
The experts said in a statement that the minorities, known as the Rohingyas, are not able to fully exercise their civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights.
They called on the government to repeal a 1982 law that denies citizenship to the Rohingyas. The UN experts say the law has led to various discriminatory practices including restricted access to medical care, food and housing.
As a consequence, they say, thousands of Rohingyas have fled to neighboring countries, creating a complex humanitarian situation in the region.
The statement, issued Monday, was signed by six UN experts, including the special envoy for human rights in Burma.
