Focus on the Rohingya at the United Nations
- International Campaign for the Rohingya
- Sep 30
- 3 min read
It is now more than eight years since the Myanmar military forced over 750,000 Rohingya to flee Burma for sprawling camps in Bangladesh. Today at the United Nations, world leaders, UN officials, and civil society groups are convening in New York for a high-level summit to confront not just the humanitarian emergency, but also the geopolitical deadlock in Myanmar that perpetuates the ongoing genocide against the Rohingya.
This week, the United Nations Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar published a new report entitled “The Destruction and Dispossession of Rohingya Land and Property during the 2017 Clearance Operations – Public Summary.” The report details the destruction and seizure of Rohingya homes, farms, mosques and other property in 2017, and identifies Myanmar security forces units, corporations and others involved in repurposing the land to erase all traces of the Rohingya’s long presence in Burma.
“There is widespread agreement in the international community that Rohingya must be allowed to return home to Myanmar once conditions exist that allow for their safe, voluntary, dignified and sustainable repatriation. However, in many cases their homes, even their villages, no longer exist,” said Nicholas Koumjian, Head of the Mechanism. “For their return to be dignified and sustainable, efforts must be made to ensure sufficient restitution or assistance is given to allow Rohingya to rebuild their communities.”
This week, please reach out to your House Members asking them to co-sponsor the BRAVE Burma Act (H.R.3190) and the ‘‘Burma Genocide Accountability and Protection Act," or the “Burma GAP Act.” (H.R.4140) .
The ‘‘Burma Genocide Accountability and Protection Act," or the “Burma GAP Act.” (H.R.4140) calls on the Administration to refuse to recognize the Burmese military and State Administrative Council as Burma’s legitimate government. In addition, it would authorize $9 million per year for 5 years for the Department of State to support atrocity crime investigations, transitional justice and accountability mechanisms, as well as witness protection measures for the Rohingya and other ethnic minorities in Burma.
The BRAVE Burma Act (H.R.3190) presses the U.S. Administration to sanction:
Burmese state-owned enterprises, such as Myanma Oil and Gas Enterprise (MOGE)
Myanma Economic Bank (MEB)
Any foreign persons or companies involved in the jet fuel sector of the Burmese economy
Would you follow up your message by meeting the staff your Members of Congress in person or by video?
We're seeking one or more people in each state and House district. We would work with you to set up a video or in-person meeting with the staff of your House Member or senators. We'd also prepare you beforehand with talking points. The goal is to let you - voters from the district - lobby your Members of Congress effectively.
We have been impressed at how many people have already contacted us to meet their Members of Congress. Nothing has more impact on Congress than the voice of voters from the district. If you wish to organize or just participate in a meeting with staffers of your Members of Congress, just email us at info@rohingyacampaign.org
Just one meeting, email, or phone call from a constituent can make a difference. Your Members of Congress need to know that you want Congress to act. The people of Myanmar can't wait any longer.
Thank so much for your time and your support.
In Solidarity,
Simon Billenness, Executive Director
For the International Campaign for the Rohingya: Debbie Stothard, Simran Stuelpnagel, Alyson Chadwick, Lucky Karim, and Nora Nyi Myint.
And in the memory of our late co-founder and board chair emeritus, Joseph K. Grieboski.
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