Today, on the one-year anniversary of the military coup in Burma, Reps. Steve Chabot (R-OH), Anna G. Eshoo (D-CA), Gregory Meeks (D-NY), Ami Bera. M.D. (D-CA), Andy Levin (D-MI), and Claudia Tenney (R-NY) introduced a bipartisan resolution recognizing the anniversary of the coup and condemning the Burmese military for perpetrating gross violations of human rights against the Burmese people.
“After a year of lawless violence, I cannot condemn the Burmese military’s coup strongly enough. It’s clear the people of Burma will not tolerate military rule, and the international community must support them in their struggle for democracy. That is why I’m pleased to join Ms. Eshoo, Ms. Tenney, and Mr. Levin to introduce this resolution today to call for a stronger response to the coup that will put Burma back on the path to democracy,” said Chabot, Ranking Member of the Asia, Pacific, Central Asia, and Nonproliferation Subcommittee of Foreign Affairs.
“A year ago today, the Burmese Military wrongfully deposed and arrested Burma’s democratically elected leaders. In response, the people of Burma courageously took to the streets to demand the restoration of civilian rule only to be met with the junta’s brutal campaign of repression involving extrajudicial executions, mass arrests and disappearances, and other authoritarian tactics,” said Eshoo. “Our resolution calls on the Burmese military to cease all violence against peaceful protesters, release all political prisoners, allow unfettered humanitarian access throughout the country, and engage in constructive dialogue with all parties to negotiate a pathway to democracy. It also urges the Biden Administration to strengthen sanctions against the Burmese military, increase humanitarian assistance to the people of Burma, and support efforts to hold the perpetrators of atrocities accountable.”
“A year since the coup, the crisis in Burma symbolizes the battle between democracy and authoritarianism in the starkest terms. Congress and the international community must show we are committed to safeguarding democracy and human rights, and that we all stand with the Burmese people who’ve been subjected to murder, torture, and crimes against humanity. This resolution is the House’s three-finger salute to the people of Burma,” said Meeks, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.
"One year ago, the Burmese military disregarded the will of the Burmese people and upended the country’s democratic progress with a bloody coup. The military seizure and brutal repression have left hundreds of civilians dead, over two hundred thousand internally displaced, and the country’s democratically elected leaders, human rights defenders, and journalists unjustly detained behind bars,” said Bera, Chairman of the Asia, Pacific, Central Asia, and Nonproliferation Subcommittee of Foreign Affairs. “I am proud to join this bipartisan resolution that continues to support the brave people of Burma in their struggle for democracy, and to remind the Tatmadaw that the world is watching.”
"This bipartisan resolution sends an important signal to the people of Burma: One year after the Tatmadaw's coup, the U.S. Congress will not turn away from their atrocities. Our resolution promotes not just consequences but international accountability for the continued human rights violations and attacks on democracy in Burma," said Levin. “I will continue working with my colleagues in Congress and the Biden administration to find concrete ways to support the people of Burma and their efforts to return power to a civilian government, including the Rohingya and the other persecuted minorities, today, tomorrow and until justice prevails."
“After one year, the ongoing coup and violence in Burma is completely unacceptable, and the United States must continue to champion the right of the Burmese people to live freely under a democratic, civilian government. The Tatmadaw’s violent coup in Burma was a tragic step in the wrong direction after years of forward progress for Burmese democracy. I will continue to stand with the Burmese people and support all diplomatic efforts to ensure an immediate return to democratic, civilian rule. That is why since returning to Congress, I have introduced a bipartisan resolution to impose an arms embargo against the Tatmadaw, supported legislation like the Protect Democracy in Burma Act, and now it is a privilege to join my colleagues in introducing this strong, bipartisan resolution. We must be unequivocal in our stand for democratic values,” said Tenney.
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