The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Treatment of Rohingya Muslims ‘looks like ethnic cleansing’
Downing Street believes that Burma’s treatment of its Rohingya Muslim minority “looks like ethnic cleansing”, Theresa May’s official spokesman has said.
The Prime Minister’s spokesman repeated calls for Burma’s military to end a campaign of “inhumane violence” in Rakhine state, which he said was to blame for a major humanitarian crisis in the south-east Asian country.
But, in response to questioning by reporters, he stopped short of using the word “genocide” in relation to the attacks on Rohingya villages which have taken place since August, prompting more than 600,000 people to cross the border into Bangladesh.
Asked whether Mrs May regarded the situation in north-western Burma as being a case of genocide, the spokesman told a regular Westminster media briefing: “We have been appalled by the inhumane violence which has taken place in Rakhine state. It’s a major humanitarian crisis which has been created by Burma’s military and it looks like ethnic cleansing.
“The UK has been a leader in responding in speed and size.
“We’ve provided an additional £47 million since August to help meet the urgent humanitarian needs there,” he said.
“What we’re absolutely clear on is that Burmese authorities need to stop the violence and ensure access into Rakhine state, so that UK aid can provide a lifeline to those suffering there.”
Former international development secretary Priti Patel described the treatment of the Rohingya Muslims as “systematic ethnic cleansing inflicted by the Burmese military” in the House of Commons last month.