I am deeply concerned by the human rights and humanitarian situation in the North Rakhine State. It has been reported that security forces have already carried out numerous human rights violations, with the Rohingya people among those most acutely affected. Furthermore, I fear that the restricted access of humanitarian aid will only worsen if the situation is not quickly resolved, with those affected by malnutrition most severely impacted.
As a global leader in human rights, the British people have promptly recognised and advocated on their behalf for our assistance. With this in mind, I am relieved to note that the Government is taking this crisis very seriously and continues to engage with the Burmese Government in an effort to resolve the situation. In January, for example, the Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson travelled to Burma and discussed the need for a restrained security approach with the Home Affairs Minister, as well as the importance of resuming humanitarian access and of ending discrimination against the Rohingya. The UK also discussed the matter at the UN Security Council on 17 November, specifically raising concerns over humanitarian access. I am thankful to say that the Government of Burma has since committed itself to restoring access to aid, and I am further reassured in knowing that our Government stands ready to support the delivery of this commitment.
The generosity of our people further encourages me as the UK is now the largest provider of food to the 34,000 Rohingya refugees living in official camps in Bangladesh. Additionally, I am proud to say that the UK is working with the World Food programme to increase access to nutrition, health, and education services for the refugees living in makeshift settlements and the host communities that support them.
I recognise, however, that there is far more that needs to be done to assist the human rights and humanitarian crisis. Thus, I look forward to learning more of the situation through a report that will be published in August by the Advisory Commission on Rakhine State the Government formed last year. It is through this information that I believe we as a country can make the most informed decision and take the most effective steps in assisting the Rohingya people.
It is my hope that the future steps we take will bring about real improvements to the welfare of all in Rakhine State. As your representative, I will continue to be an active voice for those most vulnerable throughout our country and world, and help ensure that our Government does not back away from its commitment to human rights.