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FCO and DFID statement on the Advisory Commission Report on Rakhine State

The Advisory Commission, headed by Kofi Annan, published its report on Rakhine State, Burma on 24 August 2017.

Foreign Office Minister for Asia and the Pacific Mark Field said:

The UK welcomes the report of the Advisory Commission on Rakhine State. We stand ready to support the Burmese government in implementing the report’s recommendations, to address the long-term issues in Rakhine and deliver for all communities.

We have received reports of attacks by a Rohingya insurgency group on Burmese security forces. We strongly condemn all violence in Rakhine State. We urge all parties in Rakhine to show restraint and de-escalate tensions.

International Development Minister Alistair Burt said:

The British government is deeply concerned following reports of attacks overnight in Rakhine and condemns all violence and loss of life. The UK has long been one of the biggest supporters of Burma, including in Rakhine State. Since 2012, we have provided over £30 million in humanitarian assistance, including food and sanitation for over 126,000 people.

We welcome yesterday’s Rakhine Advisory Commission report and stand ready to support the Burmese government to implement its recommendations, while continuing to call for freedom of movement and equal access to basic services in Rakhine for all communities.

Further information

Published 25 August 2017