To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with (a) the UN and (b) EU authorities on human rights abuses in Myanmar.
Answered on
12 September 2017
The British Government co-sponsored a Resolution at the Human Rights Council in March 2017 which established a Fact Finding Mission to look into allegations of human rights violations by military and security forces following the outbreak of violence in Rakhine State late last year. We urge the Burmese authorities to cooperate with the Mission, including by facilitating a visit to Burma. We stand ready to provide any support necessary.
On 30 August, the UK convened a discussion on Burma at the UN Security Council following the recent escalation of violence in Rakhine State. The UK urged the security forces in Rakhine to show restraint and called on all parties to de-escalate tensions. The Foreign Secretary, released a statement on 2 September calling for an end to the violence. Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon made a statement at the Human Rights Committee on 11 September which made clear that the UK strongly condemned the violence, and called on all parties to de-escalate tensions and address the Humanitarian crises.
We continue to discuss with EU partners the situation in Rakhine.Our immediate priority is how urgent food and medical assistance can be provided to affected civilians from all communities.