A/HRC/32/18 minority languages were banned in some areas. Recent national education legislation (such as the National Education Law) has opened up space for the use of ethnic languages in classrooms, while State and regional governments are empowered to develop and implement language policy at the regional and State levels. 63. For many years, Christian communities in Myanmar have faced restrictions in their freedom of religion or belief, especially in Chin, Kachin, Kayin and Kayah States. Special procedure mandate holders have reported allegations of human rights violations targeting Chin Christians, including of forced labour for the construction of monasteries and pagodas, the forcible confiscation of land, induced or coerced conversions to Buddhism, the closure of churches and “house” churches, and the destruction of crosses (A/HRC/22/67, p. 127). Allegations of arbitrary arrest, detention and torture of religious leaders, missionaries, church workers and others have also been reported (A/HRC/25/74, p. 105). Like Muslim communities, Christian groups report difficulties in obtaining permission to renovate, extend or construct religious buildings (see A/69/398, para. 40). Assessment 64. The information received by OHCHR suggests that minority groups have suffered a wide range of human rights violations and abuses. Moreover, in the context of armed conflicts, reports over many decades have documented violations of international humanitarian law allegedly committed by the military and armed groups. If established in a court of law, some of these violations could amount to war crimes. V. Conclusions 65. The human rights situation of the Rohingya and other minorities in Myanmar is a cause of utmost concern. The scope and patterns of violations and abuses reported cannot be ignored; systematic and systemic discrimination and policies of exclusion and marginalization are all too often at the root of future conflicts. On 25 March 2013, the Special Adviser of the Secretary-General on the Prevention of Genocide warned that failing to address the immediate consequences and root causes of violence between Rakhine Buddhists and Rohingya Muslim could have “serious consequences which the international community has solemnly promised to prevent”. 66. Conversely, addressing the violations and abuses identified by the High Commissioner in the present report may help to provide a safe and peaceful environment for all in Myanmar, planting the seeds for growth, prosperity and harmony. 67. The new Government has the responsibility and the opportunity to halt these violations and abuses. It must seize the momentum by stopping discriminatory policies and practices and repealing discriminatory laws. 68. Measures are needed to break the cycle of impunity and to promote accountability in the interests of justice, reconciliation and the protection of the human rights of all people in Myanmar. In accordance with the State’s obligations under international norms and standards, the authorities of Myanmar should ensure that all past and ongoing allegations of human rights violations and abuses are investigated promptly, thoroughly, impartially and independently. This will ensure accountability and the access of victims to an effective remedy, including adequate reparation and respect for their right to know the truth about violations. 69. Such efforts should be made in close collaboration with civil society and with the support of the international community. They will be essential to lay solid and 15