HC Deb 16 February 1999 vol 325 c748W
Mr. Miller

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action he is taking to encourage the Thai Government to increase the security of refugee camps along the Burmese border during the current dry season Burmese military offensive. [70748]

Mr. Fatchett

Following rumours of a possible Burmese attack on the Thai-Burma border, the British Embassy in Bangkok last week raised with the Thai authorities our concern for the security of refugees in the area. The Thais assured us that they were alive to the risk of dry season attacks and were taking measures to ensure the protection of refugees.

Mr. Miller

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action he is taking to put pressure on the Burmese military regime to cease ethnic cleansing actions against ethnic minorities in Burma. [70749]

Mr. Fatchett

We have repeatedly made clear to the Burmese regime our deep concern at their human rights violations, particularly those of ethnic minorities. In December 1998, we co-sponsored a UN General Assembly resolution which strongly urges the SPDC to ensure full respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. We, and our EU Partners, are also working towards a tough resolution at the forthcoming session of the UN Commission on Human Rights. We will continue to take every opportunity to raise our concerns with the regime.