Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to put pressure on the Burmese authorities to comply with international humanitarian law and assist Kachin civilians trapped in the fighting.

The Foreign Secretary raised his concerns about the fighting in Kachin State in his most recent call with Burma's State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi on 11 June. He called for Burma's military to exercise restraint and allow humanitarian access. The Minister for Asia and the Pacific made clear on 17 May the Government's concern about the situation in Karen State, calling on all parties to cease fighting; allow access for humanitarian aid; and abide by the National Ceasefire Agreement.