Group Says Britain Should Take Harder Line On Burma Human Rights

12 October 2006 (VOA) - A new report calls on Britain to do more to hold Burma's military government accountable for human rights abuses in the southeast Asian country.

A coalition of six human rights groups today issued what they call an "alternative human rights report" to coincide with the release of the British government's own report.

The alternative report says that while Britain has taken the lead among E.U. nations in pushing for stronger measures against Burma's government, Britain has not made the country a high enough priority, given the level of abuses there.

The groups say Britain is the second largest source of approved investment in Burma. They are urging Britain to stop its financial support of the military government and convince other nations to do the same.