Question to the Department for International Development:

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what steps her Department is taking to ensure that the Rohingya community is party to negotiations on the repatriation of that community.

We are concerned at the intention of Bangladesh and Burma governments to begin returns to Rakhine State by mid-November. We have stated publicly that we agree with the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) that the conditions for safe and dignified returns do not yet exist. The access required for necessary independent monitoring by UN agencies is also not in place.

Any returns must be voluntary and informed. UNHCR is engaging with the Rohingya community in Bangladesh to understand their views about returning to Rakhine State. This includes information on likely conditions to which refugees would return.