As the rise of sectarian violence and deaths have been increasing in the past few months, between the majority Buddhists and the Rohingya Muslim minority in the western state of Rakhine.

President Obama has been under pressure from rights activists to address the violence during his historic visit to Myanmar. And speaking here he touched on it during his speech to dignitaries, students and members of civil society at Yangon University.

Ahead of this trip The United States has softened sanctions and removed a ban on most imports from Myanmar in response to reforms already undertaken, but it has set conditions for the full normalisation of relations, including efforts to end ethnic conflict.

Written and Presented by Ann Salter