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<p>We have repeatedly called for an independent investigation into human rights violations
in Rakhine state. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has already issued a substantive
report on the widespread and alarming level of human rights violations carried out
by the military in Rakhine State since 9 October. The UN Special Rapporteur on the
Situation of Human Rights in Burma also referred to them in her press briefing following
her visit in January, and in her report released on 1 March.</p><p>With our international
partners, we are currently negotiating a Resolution at the Human Rights Council in
Geneva, where we are advocating for the renewal of the mandate of the UN Special Rapporteur
on Human Rights in Burma. We are also seeking to establish a mechanism which has the
support of both the Burmese authorities and the international community to establish
the facts and help deliver accountability for the violations. I expressed my deep
concern over the situation in Rakhine when I addressed the Human Rights Council on
28 February. I have also raised our concern directly with Burmese Ministers, most
recently on 27 February with U Kyaw Tin, the Burmese Deputy Minister of State for
Foreign Affairs.</p><p>We also fully support the Rakhine Advisory Commission led by
former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan. I discussed with Mr Annan the Commission's
interim recommendations published on 16 March. The Commission is mandated to provide
advice on a long term solution to reconciling inter-communal strife in Rakhine and
is due to present its final recommendations in the summer. The UK stands ready to
provide any appropriate assistance to enable the Burmese authorities to implement
its recommendations.</p><p> </p>
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