Written question asked by Helen Jones (Labour) on Tuesday, 13 November 2018, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 19 November 2018 (named day). It was answered by Mark Field (Conservative) on Monday, 19 November 2018 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Bangladesh: Rohingya

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what diplomatic steps he is taking to protect women Rohingya refugees that are repatriated from gender-based violence; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: The UK is deeply concerned at Bangladesh and Burma's announcement that the repatriation of refugees will begin in mid-November. I have registered our concerns with ministers from both governments, and issued a statement expressing concerns on 14 November. The UK shares the UN High Commissioner for Refugees' assessment that the conditions for safe and dignified returns do not yet exist. The UK supports the UN High Commissioner's call for his agency to be given unfettered access to northern Rakhine, which would enable it to monitor the safety, including from gender-based violence, of any refugees that do return.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 190784
Session: 2017-19
Subjects: Women Protection Refugees Violence Repatriation Bangladesh Rohingya
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk