Human Rights Violations in Burma

Floor Speech

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Ms. TENNEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to raise awareness of the grave human rights violations taking place in Burma, also known as Myanmar.

For decades, the country of Burma has been working diligently to establish credible elections, democratic civilian governance, and a peaceful transition of power.

However, this progress came to a halt after the military violently seized control on February 1, 2021. The military has since used this unlawful control to violently oppress ethnic minorities, including firing artillery into Burmese villages and displacing over 7,000 people.

Peaceful protests for freedom have been met with deadly force, killing 18 and imprisoning nearly 700. One protester, a 16-year-old boy, was reportedly shot in the head by an army sniper.

Utica, New York, my hometown, is home to over 4,000 Burmese refugees and new Burmese-American citizens. Many fear for the lives of their friends and families in peril in Burma.

In Utica, they have peacefully stood in solidarity with their home country, holding signs that say, ``Save Democracy, Save Burma.''

I met recently with a group of these refugees to hear their grim accounts of the conditions in their native country. Their passion and courage are inspiring.

We must also condemn the cruelty and genocide against the Rohingya people, an ethnic minority who also desperately need our support and assistance.

The U.S. remains a symbol of democracy to the world. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting the Burmese people in their quest for freedom and democracy.

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