VP/HR — Status of the Rohingya minority in Burma/Myanmar

24.8.2015

Question for written answer E-012123-15
to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)
Rule 130
Sajjad Karim (ECR)

Since 2012, following intercommunal violence in Rakhine State, there has been increasing persecution of the Rohingya minority in Burma/Myanmar. This has caused many members of this ethnic group to flee the country. The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has stated that 25 753 Rohingya and Bangladeshi migrants fled Burma/Myanmar in the first quarter of 2015 alone.

In early May 2015 thousands of Rohingya migrants were stranded off the coasts of Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia. Following the offer of temporary asylum by Indonesia and Malaysia, there was a plea from both countries for the international community to assist in dealing with this humanitarian crisis.

1. Can the VP/HR confirm what action the European External Action Service (EEAS) is taking as regards the persecution of the Rohingya minority in Burma/Myanmar?

2. Can the VP/HR confirm what action the EEAS is taking as regards the humanitarian crisis resulting from the displacement of Rohingya migrants from Burma/Myanmar?

3. What action will the EEAS be taking with its partners in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to address this ongoing humanitarian crisis?