For immediate release
As President Thein Sein of Burma prepares for his upcoming visit to
London, Rushanara Ali MP, Shadow Minister for International Development,
has called on the UK Government to exert pressure on the Burmese
authorities to address the humanitarian crisis in Burma and put human
rights at the heart of their reform process. She said:
“While it is right to acknowledge the progress towards political and
economic reform that has been made in Burma since President Thein Sein
took office, it is also right to express our deep concerns about the
humanitarian situation in Rakhine State and the ongoing human rights
abuses against the Rohingya, the wider Muslim community and other
minorities in Burma. The international community should not ignore the
considerable work that the Government of Burma still needs to do.
“I welcome President Thein Sein’s pledge to end all forms of
discrimination and ensure not only that inter-communal violence is
brought to a halt, but that all perpetrators are brought to justice.
However, it is crucial that the UK Government and the international
community continue to press him to make real that commitment. There are
growing concerns regarding the disparity between the President’s words
and his actions as Burma’s human rights record remains poor.
“Since inter-communal violence first broke out last year, Rohingya
Muslims have been forced into segregated settlements and their movements
have been restricted, stripping them of their livelihoods and rendering
them reliant on aid. Displaced people are living in constant fear of
violence, abuse and harassment both from the security services and from
fears of a further attack from sections of the Rakhine population.
“There can be no impunity for those committing human rights abuses in
Burma. Human Rights Watch’s recent report “All we can do is pray”
concluded that crimes against humanity and ethnic cleansing were being
committed towards Burma’s Rohingya. Progress on ethnic reconciliation
must remain the highest priority.
“Action is also urgently needed to address the mounting humanitarian
crisis in the Rakhine State. Those in overcrowded displacement camps
face multiple challenges and difficult or no access to basic
humanitarian needs including healthcare, food and drinking water. They
are also often the victims of violence and exploitation, and women in
particular are especially vulnerable to sexual violence. For many in
these camps, the only thing preventing an all out humanitarian disaster
is the help and support provided by NGOs.
“President Thein Sein’s visit to London is a unique opportunity for
Prime Minister David Cameron and Foreign Secretary William Hague to
press him and his Government to address some of these key human rights
issues. It is crucial that this state visit does not lead to complacency
from either the British or the Burmese Government.”
Rushanara called on the UK Government to:
- Work with the international community to apply the strongest pressure on the Burmese authorities to facilitate immediate and unimpeded humanitarian access to affected areas and continue to support those living in displacement camps, in Rakhine State and also in other areas of major displacement, such as Kachin State.
- Exert pressure on the Government of Burma to make urgent shelter arrangements during the rainy season and make healthcare and sanitation urgent priorities.
- Continue to press for democratic reforms and complete respect for human rights in Burma and address the culture of marginalisation and discrimination of the Rohingya community by reviewing and restoring their citizenship rights where appropriate.
- Encourage the Burmese authorities to support a safe and voluntary return process for the Rohingya with adequate protection.
- Exert pressure on our international counterparts for an international inquiry into the events of June and October 2012 and March 2013.
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