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Press Release

29 November 2006

Statement by Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (PUSS) on the closure of the field offices of the International Committee of the Red Cross in Burma

“I condemn the Burmese Government’s decision to order the closure of the field offices of the International Committee of the Red Cross in Burma and to halt most of its activities.

“ICRC is a highly respected, neutral and independent organisation. It works in about 80 countries around the world. In Burma it has been implementing humanitarian assistance and protection activities for civilians in the country’s border areas and visiting prisons. Over the last years its highly professional approach has brought real benefits to some of the most vulnerable people in Burma.

“I note the strenuous efforts that ICRC has made to continue its work in Burma in a principled way and its stated determination to re-engage the Burmese authorities in dialogue. I strongly encourage the authorities urgently to reconsider their decision, and to allow ICRC to reopen its field offices and restart its programme of prison visits. It is those most in need of assistance in Burma that will suffer from these restrictions on ICRC activity.

“The ICRC’s transparent and principled approach to aid delivery is the right one. The Burmese authorities’ treatment of ICRC is a cause for real concern for all agencies supporting humanitarian assistance in Burma. Respect for the humanitarian principles by donors, implementers and the authorities is crucial for the effective delivery of aid.”

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