Campaign Launched to Stop March to Genocide Against Muslim Minority In Burma
For Immediate Release
March 24, 2014
Contact: Erik Leaver
240-535-8725 | eleaver@endgenocide.org
Interviews with former Congressman Tom Andrews available
Campaign Launched to Stop March to Genocide Against Muslim Minority In Burma
Calls on President Obama to Act Immediately to Pressure Government of Burma to End Lethal Attacks
140,000 Living in Concentration Camp-like Conditions, Denied Medical Aid;
Tens of Thousands Risking Lives to Flee by Sea
The situation in Burma could soon result in genocide if the United States and the international community fail to act immediately.
Former U.S. Congressman and United to End Genocide President Tom Andrews and United to End Genocide Policy Director Dan Sullivan just returned from Burma after spending nearly a month on a fact finding mission.
In a report released today, “Marching to Genocide in Burma” they find that the warning signs of mass violence are clear. Documented murderous attacks fomented by radical Buddhist monks have killed hundreds, forced tens of thousands to flee the country, and driven 140,000 into internally displaced persons (IDP) camps. The government of Burma has ordered the Nobel Peace Laureate organization Doctors Without Borders to shut down all medical care operations in Rakhine State, home to an estimated 800,000 Rohingya, including the camps.
In response to what they saw, United to End Genocide, the largest organization in America dedicated to preventing and ending genocide and mass atrocities worldwide, is launching a report and campaign today demanding that President Obama pressure the government of Burma to immediately protect the Rohingya Muslims in Rakhine State.
The campaign calls on President Obama to:
1) Issue a public demand to President Thein Sein of Burma to allow Doctors Without Borders to unconditionally re-open all clinics in Rakhine State and restore all health care services to those in desperate need;
2) Demand a credible independent investigation of violence against Muslims in Burma – that includes international investigators - and hold perpetrators of this violence fully accountable;
3) Rescind the invitation to the Defense Minister of Burma to the ASEAN meeting of Defense Ministers April 1-3 in Hawaii and suspend other official engagements until the above mentioned concerns are addressed;
4) Update the targeted sanctions list of Specially Designated Nationals to include individuals responsible for perpetrating the recent violence in Burma and announce consideration of renewal of U.S. sanctions and continued suspension of trade benefits under the Generalized System of Preferences.
Copies of the report, “Marching to Genocide in Burma” are available at:
