§ Rev. Martin SmythTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans Her Majesty's Government have to raise concerns about the situation of(a) the Karen and (b) other ethnic groups in Burma at the forthcoming session of the UN Human Rights Commission. [69809]
§ Mr. FatchettThe UK, with EU Partners, will work for a tough resolution on Burma at the forthcoming session of the UN Commission on Human Rights, to highlight the abuse of ethnic minorities, including the Karen and press the military regime to stop violating human rights.
§ Rev. Martin SmythTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action his Department is taking to encourage the Association of South East Asian nations to expel Burma from its membership. [69810]
§ Mr. FatchettASEAN members are fully aware of our deep concern about the appalling human rights and political situation in Burma. We encourage them to use their influence on Burma.
§ Rev. Martin SmythTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what measures he is taking to encourage the Thai Government(a) to permit the entry of refugees from Burma and (b) not to repatriate such refugees forcibly. [69808]
§ Mr. FatchettOur Embassy in Bangkok is in close touch with the Thai authorities, who are aware of our concerns about Burmese refugees on the Thai-Burma border. We welcome the agreement reached with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees which includes arrangements for admissions into refugee camps. The Thai authorities assure us that no refugees have been forcibly repatriated.