Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment he has made of the likelihood of the recommendations of the Rakhine Advisory Commission being implemented; and what steps he is taking to assist with the implementation of those recommendations.

Implementation of the Rakhine Advisory Commission recommendations is essential to create conditions for refugee returns to take place voluntarily, in safety and in dignity. The UK has welcomed the Burmese Government's establishment of Rakhine Advisory Commission Implementation Committee and an Advisory Board, but recognises that implementation will be a long-term process, and that much more progress is required. I confirmed that the UK was ready to support the Burmese government with the implementation of the report when I welcomed its publication on 25 August 2017. The Foreign Secretary reiterated this offer when he spoke to State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi on 21 October 2017. I have encouraged progress by the Rakhine Advisory Board in recent meetings with its member,s Dr Suriakiart Sathirathai on 3 January, and Lord Darzi on 1 February.