§ Baroness Coxasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they are aware of reports that Karen refugees, who had fled to safety in Thailand near Kanchanaburi, are being forcibly repatriated to Burma in the Mergui Tavoy region where their lives are at risk; and whether Her Majesty's Government will make representations to the relevant governments to protect the lives of these refugees, and whether they will bring pressure to bear for a resolution to the conflict in this part of Burma as a matter of urgency.
§ The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Chalker of Wallasey)We are very concerned at reports that refugees have been forcibly repatriated to Burma. Both on a national basis and with our EU partners, we have urged the Thai Government to protect civilians seeking refuge on their territory. We deplore the SLORC policies which are at the root of this humanitarian crisis: the right way to national reconciliation in Burma is through peaceful dialogue.