London, UK - The Burma Human Rights Network (BHRN) calls on the United States Congress to pass two critical bipartisan bills: the Rohingya Genocide Accountability and Protection Act and the BRAVE Burma Act. These measures are essential for holding Burma’s military junta accountable for its atrocity crimes and supporting the people of Burma in their fight for justice and human rights.

“The introduction of these bills represents a significant commitment to justice and human rights in Burma. The ongoing atrocities by the military junta in Burma must be met with decisive action,” said Kyaw Win, Executive Director of BHRN. “We call on Congress to pass these bills without delay, ensuring that the perpetrators are held accountable and that survivors receive the support they desperately need.

” The Rohingya Genocide Accountability and Protection Act (Rohingya GAP Act, H.R. 8936), sponsored by representatives Gregory Meeks and Michael McCaul, has successfully passed the House Foreign Affairs Committee and is poised for a full House vote. This act aims to provide crucial support and humanitarian assistance to Rohingya refugees and internally displaced people. It promotes accountability and seeks to end the ongoing genocide and crimes against humanity targeting the Rohingya community. BHRN deeply appreciates the efforts of representatives Meeks and McCaul and urges the House and Senate to prioritize this bill's passage.

Complementing this effort, the Bringing Real Accountability Via Enforcement in Burma Act (BRAVE Burma Act, H.R. 8863), introduced by U.S representatives Bill Huizenga, Betty McCollum, Ann Wagner, and Brad Sherman, aims to curtail the Burma military junta's access to funds, arms, aviation fuel, and legitimacy. This comprehensive approach is crucial for undermining the junta's capacity to sustain its oppressive regime.

Congress is currently preparing the Fiscal Year 2025 Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs (SFOPS) appropriations budget and will meet this Thursday, July 25, 2024, to mark up the SFOPS.

BHRN urges Congress to appropriate sufficient funds to fully implement the Burma Act and to provide essential support for humanitarian aid and Burma's democracy movement. A coalition of Members of Congress, led by representatives Gregory Meeks and Sen. Jeff Merkley, has already advocated for $490 million to support Burma-related programs and aid Rohingya refugees through USAID.

The Rohingya GAP Act would authorize a special coordinator for Rohingya Atrocities Prevention and Response at the US State Department, ensure adequate rations through USAID, provide higher education scholarships for Rohingya refugees up to 2030, and establish a conflict observatory for Burma. It also authorizes $10 million annually for five years to support atrocity crime investigations.

BHRN urges the global community to act swiftly and decisively, supporting these crucial initiatives and other international efforts to investigate the junta’s crimes, seek accountability, and provide sufficient aid and opportunities for communities in Burma.

Organisation’s Background

BHRN is based in London and operates across Burma/Myanmar working for human rights, minority rights and religious freedom in the country. BHRN has played a crucial role in advocating for human rights and religious freedom with politicians and world leaders.

Media Enquiries
Please contact:

Kyaw Win
Executive Director
Burma Human Rights Network (BHRN)
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T: +44(0) 740 345 2378

May Thiri Khin
Research and Advocacy Officer
Burma Human Rights Network (BHRN)
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T: +66 804 431 108