Yousaf calls on EU Sanctions suspension to be reviewed

Glasgow MSP, Humza Yousaf, has written to both the Scottish and UK Government seeking action to be taken against the Burmese Government for the mass abuse and killing of the Rohingyas in Myanmar.

Amnesty International reports that the largely Muslim minority has been facing ill-treatment since early June with innocent civilians killed, communal violence and mass detainment.

Commenting Humza Yousaf said:

“The level of violence being faced by Rohingyas is utterly shocking. The world has largely stood silent while anywhere between 70 and 150 people have been killed, 50,000-90,000 people have been internally displaced and security forces have carried out mass detentions in entire villages.

“I have written to both Fiona Hyslop and Foreign Secretary William Hague to urge them to use whatever powers at their disposal to condemn the actions of the Burmese Government in the strongest possible terms.

“The Prime Minister was recently instrumental in having many EU sanctions against Burma suspended; however, until the Burmese Government is able to give reassurances that it will protect all of its citizens these sanctions should not be lifted.”

Notes to Editors

1.      More information about the situation in Myanmar about the abuse facing Rohingyas can be found on Amnesty International’s Website http://www.amnesty.org/en/news/myanmar-rohingya-abuses-show-human-rights-progress-backtracking-2012-07-19

2.      Copy of text of letter to Foreign Secretary William Hague MP below:

REF: Abuses against the Rohingya in Myanmar

Dear Foreign Secretary,

I am writing to you in regards to the documented abuses against the Rohingya in Myanmar.

I know you have previously been vocal on the need for the Burmese government to recognise the rights of the largely Muslim Rohingya population. However, the situation facing the minority them is intensifying and getting worse by the day. Amnesty international reports that almost 100 people have been killed and In addition between 50,000-90,000 people have been displaced.

The Prime Minister David Cameron recently called for EU sanctions against Burma to be lifted as a result of recent parliamentary elections. However, I believe this would send out the wrong signal to the Burmese government and effectively condone the discriminant killing of many innocent civilians.

I would therefore urge you to make representations to the Burmese government and put on record your condemnation in the strongest possible terms.

Yours sincerely,

Humza Yousaf MSP