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We are aware of the reports, not least the most recent one from the Women’s League
of Burma, alleging sexual violence on Commander during his visit to Burma in January.
In October the Minister of State for the Department of International Development,
my right hon. Friend the Member for New Forest West (Mr Swayne), took up the issue
when he met with Burma’s Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement. The
UK has allocated over £300,000 to projects supporting the prevention of sexual violence
in Burma. Prevention of sexual violence in conflict is also a key element of our defence
the part of the Burmese army. These are extremely concerning and we continue to press
the Burmese military and government to hold perpetrators to account. The Minister
of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for
East Devon (Mr Swire), raised this issue directly with the Commander in Chief of the
Burmese military and the Northern engagement with Burma and is included, along with
the importance of human rights and the rule of law, in any education courses we deliver
to the military in Burma.
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