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<p>In June, after considerable lobbying from the UK, Burma endorsed the Declaration
of Commitment to End Sexual Violence in Conflict. The authorities now need to demonstrate
that they will honour these commitments. We continue to make clear to the Burmese
government that all allegations of human rights abuses must be dealt with through
clear, independent and transparent investigative and prosecutorial processes which
meet international standards. <br><br>I raised this issue with Deputy Foreign Minister
U Thant Kyaw on 13 June 2014 during the Global Summit to End Sexual Violence in Conflict.
More recently, in October the Minister of State for International Development, my
right hon. Friend the Member for New Forest West (Mr Swayne), discussed the issue
when he met Burma’s Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement. <br><br>The
UK is providing over £300,000 towards projects training women in basic legal skills,
helping leaders prevent sexual violence in their own communities and working with
non-state armed groups to promote adherence to international standards in respect
of sexual violence and gender discrimination. Additionally, in conflict areas in Burma,
the Department for International Development (DFID) provides over £500,000 in humanitarian
funding directly supporting the prevention of sexual violence and assistance to survivors.</p>
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