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<p>We recognise the significant steps towards democratic reform that the government
of Burma has taken over the past two years. This includes releasing hundreds of political
prisoners and discharging hundreds of child soldiers. It has also included lifting
of restrictions on the media, which has opened the space for the growth of a vibrant
civil society.</p><p> </p><p>At the same time, we recognise much more needs to be
done, and that in some areas progress has declined. We remain deeply concerned about
the recent intimidation, detention and sentencing of reporters and political activists,
the appalling situation of Rohingya Muslims in Rakhine State, and about ongoing conflict
in ethnic areas and associated human rights abuses, including sexual violence. All
of our concerns are thoroughly documented in our Annual Report on Human Rights, and
the quarterly updates to them. I personally raise our concerns regularly with the
government of Burma.</p><p> </p><p>Burma’s elections, scheduled for October or November
this year, will be a critically important test of the government’s commitment to see
the reforms through to their conclusion. It is vital for Burma’s future development
that these are inclusive and credible. The Prime Minister, my right hon. Friend the
Member for Witney (Mr Cameron) made this point to President Thein Sein at the Group
of Twenty (G20) summit in Brisbane in November.</p>
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