Human Rights in Burma

Announcement

Please join the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission (TLHRC) for a hearing on human rights in Burma.

For decades Burma was ruled by a brutal authoritarian military regime known for its abysmal human rights record. In 2010, after the first election in 20 years, opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi was released from almost 15 years of house arrest and the country has transitioned from military rule to civilian-led government. Two years later, the National League for Democracy (NLD) participated in by-elections and a significant number of NLD members, including Aung San Suu Kyi, were elected to parliament. Since 2010, the Burmese government has instituted a number of positive reforms, such as the release of dozens of political prisoners, the passing of new laws to allow for increased freedom of association, and the abolishment of pre-publication censorship, among others. In response to these reforms the US began re-engaging with Burma and recently lifted a number of sanctions previously placed on the country.

Despite this progress, concerns remain about the serious human rights situation in the country including: the killing of civilians, restriction of humanitarian aid, and other egregious violations in Kachin State, the dire situation for Rohingyas in Rakhine State, land and development concerns, continued freedom of association and expression violations, hundreds of remaining political prisoners, and many more.

In addition to assessing the human rights situation in Burma, this hearing will evaluate U.S. policy, specifically with regards to the future of U.S. engagement with the Burmese military and investment.

If you have any questions, please contact the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission at 202-225-3599 or tlhrc@mail.house.gov.

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