Ireland takes every opportunity to register its concerns about the practices of the Burmese regime. We take an active role in initiating and strengthening actions in this connection at the United Nations, including through the UN Commission on Human Rights, at which a resolution on the human rights situation in Burma is currently under consideration, and at the UN General Assembly.
The reports to which the Deputy refers involve rape, and other forms of sexual violence carried out by members of the armed forces, on ethnic Shan women, and others. These are particularly serious reports, and are indicative of the more general human rights situation in the country. In this regard, my colleague, the Minister of State with responsibility for overseas development and human rights, Deputy Kitt, met, in September of 2002, with Mr. Harn Yawnghwe of the European Burma Office, along with representatives of Burma Action Ireland, Amnesty International, and Trócaire. In 2002, Ireland Aid approved funding of €79,900 for a project on capacity building for the Burmese Democratic Movement in Exile. This is the third year in succession that Ireland Aid has funded this project. Total funding thus far approximates to €250,000. Officials of my Department meet regularly to review issues of concern with representatives of Burma Action Ireland, Amnesty, Trócaire and other involved NGOs. The next such meeting with officials is taking place later this month, and will be attended by representatives of the Women's League of Burma, one of whom is a member of the Shan Women's Action Network.