Human Rights in Myanmar

Stresses the need for urgent action to end human rights abuses in Myanmar, citing mass killings, arbitrary arrests and detentions. Reports that deliveries of aid have been blocked by military, leaving civilians without life-saving support. Calls on Minister to acknowledge historic responsibility of British colonialism in creating ethnic groups.

Ms. West expressed concern about the ongoing human rights abuses in Myanmar, including the repression of civilians protesting against the military junta's seizure of power two years ago. She highlighted the 82% cut to development aid for Rohingya refugees and called on the Minister to provide updates on progress towards banning aviation fuel exports to Myanmar, engaging with financial industries like insurance companies, expelling the defence attaché from the Myanmar embassy in London, and reviewing aid cuts to the Rohingya. I thank the Minister for his excellent response to all the matters raised, particularly freedom of religion or belief and the million people in the Cox's Bazar refugee camp. May I press him on the important symbolism of stripping away the diplomatic role of the military attaché based in Wimbledon?

Freedom of religion or belief is being targeted in Myanmar with the recent sentencing of Rev. Dr Hkalam Samson to six years in prison on manufactured charges. The speaker calls for his immediate release and highlights his work promoting peace, justice, equality, reconciliation, drug eradication, and facilitating the return of displaced Kachin. Ms Fiona Bruce intervened to condemn the deliberate targeting of places of worship by the Myanmar regime, highlighting that such attacks on churches and other religious sites should be particularly condemned under international law. She emphasised that places of worship serve as focal points for community support and peacebuilding efforts during conflicts. Ms Bruce also highlighted the specific targeting of women and girls in Myanmar, arguing that discrimination based on faith and gender is a root cause of poverty and the need for aid. Expressed appreciation to Ben Rogers for his support of those concerned about the situation in Myanmar.

I agree that the return of full democracy in Myanmar is crucial. The postponement of elections by the junta will further deteriorate the situation, and rapid steps towards restoring democratic governance must be taken.

Mr. Hussain highlighted the systemic discrimination and persecution faced by the Rohingya in Myanmar, emphasizing that their human rights abuses are well-documented but often ignored by the international community. He criticized the UK Government's lack of action during the 2017 genocide and subsequent military coup, arguing that their hesitance to intervene has left justice out of reach for the Rohingya. Mr. Hussain also pointed out the inadequate funding for refugee camps in Bangladesh where over a million Rohingya refugees live under dire conditions, facing health risks and natural disasters.

Jim Shannon, chair of the all-party parliamentary group for international freedom of religion or belief, expressed concern about the persecution of Christians in Myanmar and highlighted specific human rights abuses against religious minorities. He noted that Myanmar's ranking on the Open Doors world watch list has worsened due to increasing atrocities rather than improvement. Shannon also mentioned the disproportionate targeting of churches and community resources by the military regime since 2021, as well as severe abuse against women and girls.

I am concerned about the arrest of schoolteachers for participating in an online education programme organised by the National Unity Government, with 15 teachers arrested last week and another 30 over the summer. The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners stated that more than 3,000 people have been killed in the military crackdown on the pro-democracy movement, including activists and other civilians. The speaker hopes that this will not deter peaceful activists advocating for democracy.

The hon. Friend highlights that the UK's aid budget cuts have led to a significant decrease in humanitarian assistance for refugees in Bangladesh, making it harder for people to survive and leaving support agencies with less capacity. Ms Rushanara Ali expressed deep concern about the human rights crisis in Myanmar, highlighting that over 2 million people have been internally displaced since the military coup. She mentioned that more than 21,000 individuals were arrested and 60,000 homes destroyed by the military. She also discussed the plight of Rohingya refugees, noting that UK aid to the camps was reduced by 67% in financial year 2021-22 compared to two years prior. The Minister has not really answered the question. When will he be able to restore funding to its former level? There is a real-terms cut.