§ Mrs. FyfeTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent reports he has received concerning the policies and actions of the Government of Burma in respect of the Karen people. [103123]
§ Mr. BattleWe continue to receive disturbing reports of human rights violations against the ethnic minorities, including Karen, in Burma. These violations include arbitrary killings, rape, torture, mass arrests, forced labour and forced relocations. These abuses have been highlighted in the UN General Assembly resolution500W adopted on 19 November, which the UK co-sponsored. We make regular representations to the regime on this issue.
§ Mrs. FyfeTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent reports he has received on the conditions experienced by the Karen people in Thai camps. [103122]
§ Mr. BattleThe British Embassy in Bangkok is in close contact with the Thai authorities, UN agencies and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) giving assistance to the refugee camps, including regular meetings. Embassy officials have also visited the camps, most recently Mae La and Umpiam Mai camps on 22–23 November: this was an opportunity to see the results of the successful relocation of two camps (Mawker and Wangka) close to the border which had proved vulnerable to attacks in the past. The Thai authorities administer the camps in close co-operation with UNHCR and NGOs. The refugees themselves are actively involved in implementing the programmes of assistance provided by NGOs. The UK is an important contributor to the Burma Border Consortium, one of the leading NGOs providing food and shelter to refugees. We will continue to pay close attention to the plight of Burmese refugees in Thailand.