Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will make it his policy to support the establishment of an independent, international inquiry to investigate allegations of crimes against humanity, ethnic cleansing and genocide in Rakhine State, Burma.

We remain deeply concerned by intercommunal violence in Burma, particularly in Rakhine State. While levels of violence have not been repeated on the same scale as in 2012, the situation remains fragile and sensitive. Our approach is to seek an end to all violations by encouraging a resolution of the underlying problems and de-escalating tensions. We have made clear to the government of Burma that allegations of human rights abuses must be dealt with through a clear, independent and transparent investigative and prosecutorial process that meets international standards. We have also put on record our view that an independent investigation, supported by appropriate technical assistance, would make a significant contribution to accountability and reconciliation.