Immediate Changes Needed in U.S. – Burma Policy
Immediate Changes Needed in U.S. – Burma Policy
United to End Genocide President Tom Andrews Testifies at Congressional Hearing on Disturbing Human Rights Abuses, Signs of Genocide in Burma
July 9, 2014
Speaking today at a U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee Hearing, “Spotlighting Human Rights in Southeast Asia,” President and CEO of United to End Genocide, Tom Andrews, urged lawmakers to condemn the disturbing trends in Burma and hold the government and military leaders of Burma fully accountable.
Andrews said, “The United States cannot ignore the acute risk of genocide in Burma’s Rakhine State, nor the broader anti-Muslim violence that has spread across the country, nor the ongoing serious human rights abuses against ethnic minority groups.
Holding the government and military leaders accountable, should include establishing a moratorium on any further concessions and rewards – including suspending diplomatic and military visits and trade benefits until urgent issues are addressed including restoring vital health care services, opening a UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, and allowing credible investigations that include the international community.”
Andrews praised the Committee, led by Chairman Royce (R-CA) and Ranking Member Eliot Engel, for its leadership in passing H. Res. 418, “Urging the Government of Burma to end the persecution of the Rohingya people.”
He encouraged Members of Congress to support H.R. 4377, the “Burma Human Rights and Democracy Act of 2014” introduced by Congressman Steve Chabot (R-OH), which would restrict security assistance to Burma unless the Secretary of State certified improvements in human rights and civilian oversight of the military.
Andrews concluded, “As we have seen, strong and consistent pressure on those in power in Burma works - it made reform in Burma possible. And it’s needed immediately for the sake of the Rohingya and all ethnic minorities under attack in Burma today.”
Mr. Andrews full written testimony is available at:
