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Persecution of the Rohingya: International Response
13 October 2022
Lead MP
Rushanara Ali
Debate Type
Adjournment Debate
Tags
EconomyForeign Affairs
Other Contributors: 1
At a Glance
Rushanara Ali raised concerns about persecution of the rohingya: international response in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
Rushanara Ali, MP for Bethnal Green and Stepney, raised concerns about the ongoing genocide against Rohingya people in Myanmar. She highlighted the five-year anniversary of mass displacement and atrocities committed by Burmese military forces. The MP expressed gratitude towards colleagues and international organisations working on this issue but lamented Britain’s delayed intervention at the International Court of Justice despite its UN Security Council responsibility. She welcomed new sanctions announced by the UK Government against companies supporting Myanmar's dictatorship, including Star Sapphire Group, International Gateways Group, and Sky One Construction Company. However, she criticised the reduction in aid to Rohingya refugees and internally displaced camps since 2017, advocating for increased funding support to Bangladesh and Myanmar. Ali also emphasised the importance of education provision for Rohingya children and teenagers who face significant barriers due to conflicts.
Leo Docherty
Con
Nottingham East
Expressed gratitude towards Rushanara Ali for raising this issue and acknowledged her long-standing interest in the matter. He commended the work of all-party groups and colleagues who have pushed for active policy responses.
Government Response
The Minister of State, Leo Docherty, acknowledged the severe suffering caused by Myanmar’s military since their coup. He highlighted that over £49 million in assistance has been provided for humanitarian needs, healthcare, education and civil society support to address the crisis. Since 2017, the UK Government has committed £340 million to aid Rohingya communities and neighbouring regions in Bangladesh. The Minister emphasised ongoing work with international partners to tighten sanctions targeting finance and arms access for Myanmar’s military regime. Docherty reaffirmed the commitment to increase humanitarian support back to 0.7% of GNI when fiscal constraints allow. He announced further sanctions on companies linked to the Myanmar army and expressed support for interventions at the International Court of Justice case brought by The Gambia against Myanmar, believing it offers a path towards accountability for atrocities. The Minister stated that restoring Rohingya citizenship in Myanmar remains crucial but requires political solutions beyond humanitarian aid.
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Assessment & feedback
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About House of Commons Debates
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