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Could you tell us about the humanitarian needs on the border and the support Canada has been providing there? What are your views on the recent cutback in funding to border-based groups by some countries? And what do you think about the situation along the Chinese border where NGOs have been denied permission to deliver medicine and other assistance to refugees displaced by recent conflict in northern Burma?

A: Existing Canadian policy allows for humanitarian aid inside the country, and I'm pleased that Canada has stepped up contributions in response to UN and NGO appeals in recent months, including a US $500,000 contribution to relief efforts following Cyclone Giri last fall. The core of our funding support, however, continues to be to refugees along the borders. In fact, last year Canada renewed a $15.9 million five-year support program, concentrating on much needed food aid as well as health services.

Events of recent months illustrate the continued and even growing need for such programming. I sincerely hope that other traditional donors and new partners continue to contribute to the acute needs which are still present on the border.

As for the China border, Canada calls on all parties in a position to help those displaced or harmed by conflict to help ensure that aid makes its way to victims and that refuge from violence and persecution can be found when needed.

Q: There has been little condemnation from the international community, including Burma's neighbors and Western governments, of the Burmese army's increasing violence in predominantly ethnic areas in Karen, Shan and Kachin states. Some Burmese say that the international community has been too quiet on these conflicts and the ongoing human rights violations inside the country. What is Canada's response to the current conflict and human rights situation in Burma?

A:.The current situation in these regions is a matter of serious concern, and the credible reports of increased human rights violations that we have seen are deeply troubling. We need all countries that have relations with Burma to express their concern and use whatever leverage they can muster to urge greater respect for basic human rights in the country.

Asean members, and others who engage in trade and investment, should, in particular, use their influence to protest what we are hearing about. Canada will continue to be a strong voice for those who are oppressed, and we will always advocate for our core Canadian values like democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.

We continue to call on the government to promptly investigate all allegations of human rights abuses by government or military personnel. Because of our ongoing concerns about human rights in the country, we believe economic sanctions are still merited.

Q: Canadian Foreign Minister John Baird recently told Asean leaders in Jakarta that Canada has started limited engagement with the new Burmese government, with a focus on human rights. What will this new approach entail in practical terms?

A: It’s not entirely a new approach, as Canada has had long-standing diplomatic relations with Burma. In addition to enabling us to communicate our views directly and clearly to the new government, our engagement will allow us to see conditions on the ground first-hand and to establish relationships with a wide range of civil society representatives, humanitarian workers and the parliamentary and non-parliamentary opposition, including Aung San Suu Kyi.

I think Minister John Baird's close personal involvement, including setting up a bilateral meeting with Burma’s foreign minister, is testimony to the government of Canada's values-based foreign policy and commitment to human rights.
Canada will always advocate for freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law.

Q: What is Canada's position on Burma's bid to assume the Asean chairmanship in 2014? What benchmarks do you think should be met before Burma is allowed to take this important regional position?

A: Canada recognizes that the decision on who chairs Asean rests with Asean members themselves. However, as a close friend and formal dialogue partner with Asean since 1977, Canada recommends that Asean members consider how to capitalize on this important opportunity to achieve real improvements in Burma's behavior.

Benchmarks could include a wide range of matters, but among them should be the release of all political prisoners and a peaceful dialogue with ethnic groups on a new political road-map for managing the country's ethnic diversity. These are achievable goals in the short term, and Burma should know that there is a cost to not taking them seriously.

Q: Aung San Suu Kyi is planning to start her first political tours of Burma since her release from house arrest last November, and the Burmese government has warned her of the chaos and dangers that could ensue if she goes ahead with her plans.