Debate resumed, on motion by Mr Forrest:

That the House:

(1)

recognises the stateless circumstances of the Akha people of South East Asia occupying the remote mountain regions of Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and China;

(2)

accepts that:

(a)

a long five century history of manipulation and persecution endured by the Akha people has left them disadvantaged, disenfranchised and virtually voiceless; and

(b)

the Akha people are fighting critical health outcomes through depressed economic circumstances and the utilisation of inefficient agricultural practices and that this situation leaves them as one of the most vulnerable nation groups anywhere in the world; and

(3)

calls on:

(a)

the United Nations to do more to prevent the persecution of this people group by the oppressive Myanmar regime which is forcing many Akha families to flee across the border to Thailand;

(b)

the governments of Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and China to do more for this unique people group in their respective countries to assist them towards self determination; and

(c)

AusAid to recognise the needs of this unique language group and fund sustainable agricultural aid programs to assist Akha people in growing good food to break the cycle of hunger and depression.

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