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BURMA Questions in Australian Parliament 

Danby, Michael, MP (Melbourne Ports, ALP, Opposition) asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs, in writing, on 2 March 2006: _ 

(1) Has he seen reports that the military regime in Burma has kidnapped a pro-democracy activist, Chit Thein Tun, from Manipur, India, and has also imprisoned his wife and his four-year-old daughter?

(2) Has he protested to the Burmese regime against this blatant violation of international law and demanded the immediate release of Chit Thein Tun and his family; if not, why not?

(3) Is he aware that the International Committee of the Red Cross has suspended its visits to prison inmates in Burma as a result of unacceptable conditions imposed by the Burmese regime?

(4) What information does he have about the number of political prisoners currently being held in Burma, the conditions in which they are being held, and the efforts being made to improve their conditions and secure their release?

(5) What representations has the Government made over political prisoners in Burma? 

Mr Downer (Minister for Foreign Affairs) answered to the questions as follows: _ 

(1) Yes.

(2) I have called repeatedly for the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners in Burma. The Australian Ambassador in Rangoon also frequently makes similar points to Burmese authorities, including to Burmese ministers and officials.

(3) Yes, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has not undertaken prison visits in Burma since late 2005. Negotiations between the ICRC and Burmese authorities are continuing in an effort to resume the visits.

(4) The UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights estimates that there are currently 1,144 political prisoners in Burma. The ICRC and other NGOs provide reports on prison conditions, and we have, along with other donor countries, contributed financially towards supporting the work of the ICRC in Burma including to assess the treatment and conditions, to provide basic health and hygiene supplies and to enable prisoners to re-establish and maintain family links.

(5) Over the past twelve months the Government has made formal representations on at least ten occasions, including at the highest level, urging the Burmese regime to address human rights and to release all political prisoners in Burma. 

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