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 Myanmar government removes remaining aid restrictions and facilities access for humanitarian aid throughout that country.

Humanitarian assistance continues to reach the large majority of those in need in Burma. The government of Burma played a constructive role in providing and facilitating humanitarian assistance to areas affected by flooding in 2015. In conflict areas there remain significant restrictions to humanitarian access, that in some cases limit the quality and reach of humanitarian assistance.

DFID officials, together with other donors and United Nations agencies, have discussed aid policy and coordination with the new government of Burma, including administrative and security regulations that can limit access for assistance, including in Rakhine State in June 2016. DFID officials raise local issues limiting humanitarian access during field visits, including during visits to Kachin State in June 2015 and Rakhine State in May 2016. DFID closely monitors humanitarian access limitations and works together with other donor governments and the United Nations to seek to alleviate these. Through these channels and directly we will be encouraging the new government of Burma to act to address policies and practices that limit humanitarian access.