Joint Press Statement on the Human Rights and Humanitarian Situation in Myanmar

U.S Department of State

Media Note
Office of the Spokesperson
January 6, 2025

The text of the following joint statement was released by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union and the Governments of the United States, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Norway, the Republic of Korea, Switzerland, Timor-Leste, and the United Kingdom to address the human rights and humanitarian crisis in Myanmar.

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On the Situation in Burma’s Rakhine State ( U.S. Embassy Burma )

On the Situation in Burma’s Rakhine State
PRESS STATEMENT
MATTHEW MILLER, DEPARTMENT SPOKESPERSON

MAY 21, 2024 

The United States is deeply troubled by the reports of increased violence and intercommunal tension in Rakhine State, including reports of towns being burned and residents, including Rohingya, being displaced. These developments follow concerning reports of forced conscription of Rohingya, as well as the spread of disinformation, misinformation, and hate speech.

U.N. Security Council: Refer Mass Internment Of Muslims And Other Atrocities In Myanmar To ICC

SCOOP World
Sunday, 7 April 2024,
Press Release: Fortify Rights 

Mass arbitrary detention, life-threatening restrictions in Rakhine State

(BANGKOK, April 4, 2024)– The Myanmar military junta’s ongoing confinement of more than a half million Rohingya Muslims to internment camps and villages in Rakhine State constitutes a situation of mass arbitrary detention and an act of genocide under international law, said Fortify Rights today. According to a new investigation by Fortify Rights, the junta not only continues to confine Rohingya en masse, but it has also tightened restrictions on lifesaving humanitarian aid to Rohingya and Kaman Muslims in internment camps and villages throughout the state.

Genocide Against Rohingya Is Intensifying, Warns Burmese Rohingya Organisation UK

Prograssive Voice of Myanmar
Author: Burmese Rohingya Organisation UK
April 2nd, 2024

Press Release

                                    Media Release from Burmese Rohingya Organisation UK

The Burmese Rohingya Organisation UK (BROUK) today sounded the alarm, warning that the ongoing genocide against the Rohingya is intensifying. BROUK urged the UN Security Council to immediately take steps to enforce the International Court of Justice’s provisional measures order on Myanmar to protect the ‘extremely vulnerable’ Rohingya. The British government, as penholder on Myanmar at the United Nations (UN) Security Council, should urgently convene a meeting to discuss the growing crisis.

Statement on World Bank support under discussion for the Displaced Rohingya Population and Host Communities in Chattogram Division

THE WORLD BANK
PRESS RELEASE
December 8, 2023

The government and the people of Bangladesh have shown great generosity in providing shelter to the displaced Rohingya population. The World Bank is committed to help Bangladesh address the needs of the host community and the displaced Rohingya people until their safe and voluntary return to Myanmar, and had mobilized $590 million of support immediately after the inflow. We are currently holding preliminary discussions with the government to determine the terms and scope of the next phase of World Bank support to cater to the needs of both the displaced Rohingya population and the host communities in the Chattogram Division. Any new support that the World Bank Board of Directors will consider will be aligned with Bangladesh’s own mandates, including that the country will receive grants, not loans for non-citizens, such as the displaced Rohingya people.

ရခိုင်ပြည်နယ်တွင် ၂၀၁၇ ခုနှစ်၊ ဩဂုတ်လအတွင်း ဖြစ်ပွား ခဲ့သည့် ဖြစ်စဉ်များနှင့်စပ်လျဉ်း၍ တုံ့ပြန်ချက်များအပေါ် မြန်မာနိုင်ငံက ပြင်းထန်စွာ ကန့်ကွက်ပယ်ချ

သတင်းထုတ်ပြန်ချက်

ရခိုင်ပြည်နယ်တွင် ၂၀၁၇ ခုနှစ်၊ ဩဂုတ်လအတွင်း ဖြစ်ပွားခဲ့သည့် ဖြစ်စဉ်များနှင့်စပ်လျဉ်း၍ တုံ့ပြန် ချက်များအပေါ် မြန်မာနိုင်ငံက ပြင်းထန်စွာ ကန့်ကွက်ပယ်ချ

ရခိုင်ပြည်နယ်တွင် ၂၅-၈-၂၀၁၇ ရက်တွင် ပေါ်ပေါက်ခဲ့သည့် ဖြစ်စဉ်နှင့်ပတ်သက်၍ ကုလသမဂ္ဂ အတွင်းရေးမှူးချုပ်၏ ပြောရေးဆိုခွင့်ရှိသူ၊ အဖွဲ့အစည်းအချို့နှင့် နိုင်ငံအချို့က နှစ်ပတ်လည်အထိမ်း အမှတ်အဖြစ် ကြေညာချက်များထုတ်ပြန်ခဲ့ကြောင်း နိုင်ငံခြားရေးဝန်ကြီးဌာနမှ တွေ့ရှိရသည်။ ယင်း ကြေညာချက်များ၌ ပါရှိသည့် အချက်အလက်များသည် မှန်ကုန်မှု မရှိ၊ တိကျမှု မရှိကြောင်း တွေ့ရပြီး မြန်မာနိုင်ငံ၏ ပြည်တွင်းရေးကို စွက်ဖက်ခြင်း၊ ဘက်လိုက် မှုရှိခြင်း၊ တစ်ဖက်သတ်ဆန်ခြင်း တွေ့ရ သည်။

Bangladesh: IRC warns that over 850,000 Rohingya refugees are at risk if Cyclone Mocha reaches Cox’s Bazar

 

                                          Press Release

Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, May 12, 2023 — The International Rescue Committee (IRC) warns that Cyclone Mocha is set to strike Cox's Bazar refugee camp, home to over one million Rohingya refugees.

The cyclone's expected landfall this weekend could cause severe damage. Still reeling from a devastating fire in March that destroyed more than 2,600 shelters and critical infrastructure, over 850,000 refugees risk losing their homes and livelihoods. Strong wind, heavy rains, and subsequent flash floods and mudslides could destroy shelters, community centers, and health clinics, depriving thousands of essential services and humanitarian aid. Host communities, including Teknaf, Kutubdia, Saint Martin's Island, and nearby areas, may also be heavily affected.

In preparation, more than 3,000 Rohingya refugees have been trained to respond to flooding and mudslides. Meanwhile, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) is scaling up its emergency response in Cox's Bazar. Three mobile medical teams will be deployed to remote areas in the camps and communities to provide emergency medical treatment. Additionally, a Mobile Protection Unit designed for emergency settings will offer protection services to vulnerable groups such as women, girls, the elderly, and those with disabilities.

Fifth anniversary of the Rohingya crisis in Myanmar: UK statement

Press release

The UK announces new sanctions and legal action in support of Myanmar’s Rohingya community.

Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and The Rt Hon Amanda Milling MPPublished25 August 2022

Minister for Asia Amanda Milling

• UK takes fresh action against the Myanmar Armed Forces on 5th anniversary of the military’s campaign of ethnic cleansing against the Rohingya
• new sanctions against military-linked companies to target the military’s access to arms and revenue
• UK confirms its intention to intervene in The Gambia v. Myanmar International Court of Justice Case to support international justice efforts

ICC Prosecutor, Karim A. A. Khan QC, concludes first visit to Bangladesh, underlines commitment to advance investigations into alleged atrocity crimes against the Rohingya

International Crime Court
Press Release 
1 March 2022

On Sunday, 27 February 2022, the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court ("ICC" or "the Court"), Mr Karim A. A. Khan QC, concluded a five-day visit to Dhaka and Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh. This represented the first visit by the Prosecutor of the Court to Bangladesh.

Chairman Meeks, Senator Cardin, and Rep. Chabot Introduce BURMA Act

Foreign Affairs Committee

Press Releases

October 5, 2021

Washington, DC – Today, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Gregory W. Meeks (D-NY), House Foreign Affairs Asia-Pacific Subcommittee Ranking Member Steve Chabot (R-OH) and Senator Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD) introduced the “Burma Unified through Rigorous Military Accountability Act of 2021” or BURMA Act.

The legislation condemns the actions taken by the Burmese military during its February 1 coup d’état and its aftermath. By authorizing targeted sanctions against the Burmese military, the State Administrative Council, as well as their affiliated entities and conglomerates, the bill holds accountable those responsible for the perpetration of the coup and the ensuing atrocities that have claimed over a thousand lives. In light of the growing crisis in Burma, the legislation also authorizes support for civil society and humanitarian assistance and calls on the State Department to issue a genocide determination for the persecution of the Rohingya.

Marking the Fourth Anniversary of the Ethnic Cleansing in Rakhine State

Press Statement 

U.S State Department

Ned Price, Department Spokesperson
August 24, 2021

Four years ago, Burma’s military launched a horrific ethnic cleansing against Rohingya in northern Rakhine State. The brutality of the military’s atrocities on that day shocked the conscience of the international community – but we recognize the Rohingya had already suffered decades of grave human rights abuses, and that many of those abuses continue today. The United States remembers the victims and recommits to pursuing and demanding accountability for those responsible for these atrocities and other human rights abuses, and seeking justice for victims. We recognize the need to address the root causes of this violence and hold perpetrators accountable to help prevent such atrocities from recurring.

အမျိုးသားညီညွတ်ရေးအစိုးရ(NUG) သတင်းစာရှင်း လင်းပွဲ ( ၀၁/၂၀၂၁ )

 

National Unity Government Policy Position on the Rohingya in Arakan State

 

National Unity Government Press Release ( 03 June 2021 )

SENATOR MARKEY AND COLLEAGUES REINTRODUCE LEGISLATION DIRECTING THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE TO ISSUE A ROHINGYA GENOCIDE DETERMINATION

PRESS RELEASE

APRIL 14, 2021

Washington (April 14, 2020) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Chairman of the East Asia Subcommittee of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, along with Senators Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), and Bob Casey (D-Pa.) today introduced legislation requiring the Secretary of State to determine whether attacks by Burmese military and security forces against the Rohingya minority constitute genocide. Since August 25, 2017, around 740,000 Rohingya have fled Burma (also known as Myanmar) to neighboring Bangladesh to escape a brutal campaign of atrocities by Burma’s military and security forces, including systematic murder and sexual and gender-based violence. On February 1, 2021 the Burmese military carried out a coup against the democratically elected, civilian-led government and has since killed more than 700 civilians during widespread peaceful protests and strikes in opposition to the coup.

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and other State Department officials have committed to Senator Markey that there will be an interagency process to determine whether the atrocities committed against the Rohingya in Burma constitute genocide, but have not indicated a timeline for that decision to be announced.

Treasury Sanctions Key Gems Enterprise in Burma

U.S. Embassy in Burma

By U.S. Mission Burma
April 8, 2021

News, Press Releases

WASHINGTON — Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated Myanma Gems Enterprise (MGE), a Burmese state-owned entity that is responsible for all gemstone activities in Burma. Gemstones are a key economic resource for the Burmese military regime that is violently repressing pro-democracy protests in the country and that is responsible for the ongoing lethal attacks against the people of Burma, including the killing of children. These sanctions are not directed at the people of Burma.

“Today’s action highlights Treasury’s commitment to denying the Burmese military sources of funding, including from key state-owned enterprises throughout Burma,” said Andrea Gacki, Director of the Office of the Foreign Assets Control. “The United States will continue to work tirelessly, including with partners throughout the region and the world, to support the restoration of democracy and rule of law in Burma and to bring accountability to those who seek to undermine these values.”

PETRONAS' Upstream Operations in Myanmar Declares Force Majeure On Its Yetagun Field

2 · Apr · 2021

Media

PRESS RELEASE

Yangon, Myanmar, 2 April 2021 – PC Myanmar (Hong Kong) Limited (PCML), a subsidiary of PETRONAS, has declared Force Majeure (FM) on its Yetagun field on 1 April 2021 due to depletion of gas production at the field, located in the Andaman Sea, offshore Myanmar, in Blocks M12, M13 and M14.

The decision was made following challenges in the wells deliverability that resulted in the production rate dropping below the technical threshold of the offshore gas processing plant. PCML has temporarily ceased production at the Yetagun field until further notice.

PCML Country Head, Liau Min Hoe said: “Prior to the cessation of production, Yetagun field was producing well below the technical turndown rate of its facilities. There has been a drastic decline in production level due to subsurface challenges in the field since January 2021 and it has further deteriorated recently.

Statement by National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan on Violence Against Peaceful Demonstrations in Burma

The White House
STATEMENTS AND RELEASES

FEBRUARY 28, 2021 

The United States is alarmed by the Burmese security forces’ violence against peaceful protestors. The killings today represent an escalation of the ongoing crackdown on pro-democracy protestors since the February 1 coup. I offer my heartfelt condolences to the families of the courageous protestors who have lost their lives while peacefully demonstrating in support of democracy in Burma.

The United States stands in solidarity with the people of Burma, who continue to bravely voice their aspirations for democracy, rule of law, and respect for human rights. We will continue coordinating closely with allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region and around the world to hold those responsible for violence to account, and to reinforce our support for the people of Burma. To that end, we are preparing additional actions to impose further costs on those responsible for this latest outbreak of violence and the recent coup. We will have more to share in the coming days.

Link : Here

SHOCKING SCENES OF VIOLENCE ON STREETS OF MYANMAR PUT AT RISK LIVES AND WELL-BEING OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES

STATEMENT

28 FEBRUARY 2021 - MYANMAR

Save The Children

Following news of casualties among demonstrators in Myanmar, a Save the Children spokesperson said:

“The shocking scenes of violence on the streets of Myanmar today put at risk the lives and well-being of children and their families. Save the Children condemns the use of lethal violence and other excessive force against peaceful demonstrators. World leaders must come together and act in unison to protect the lives and liberty of people in Myanmar against the brutal force being shown by the security forces. Many of those arrested, injured or killed today are students and young people. Demonstrators must be allowed to raise their voice to call for the reinstatement of democracy and the release of elected leaders. Save the Children calls on the security forces and other authorities to refrain from violence and to respect the rights of their own citizens, including their rights to freedom of assembly and expression. The world is watching and will not look away.”

Link : Here

Statement by Ambassadors to Myanmar

U.S. Embassy in Burma

 

Update: Australia and New Zealand joined this Joint Statement from Ambassadors, issued on February 14.

PRESS STATEMENT
AMBASSADORS TO MYANMAR
FEBRUARY 14, 2021

We call on security forces to refrain from violence against demonstrators and civilians, who are protesting the overthrow of their legitimate government.

We unequivocally condemn the detention and ongoing arrests of political leaders, civil society activists, and civil servants, as well as the harassment of journalists.

We also denounce the military’s interruption of communications, as well as the restriction of the Myanmar people’s fundamental rights and basic legal protections.

We support the people of Myanmar in their quest for democracy, freedom, peace, and prosperity. The world is watching.

Signed by the Ambassadors to Myanmar from Australia, Canada; the Delegation of the EU and European Union Member States with presence in Myanmar: Denmark, Czech Republic, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, and Sweden; New Zealand; Norway; Switzerland; the United Kingdom; and the United States.

By U.S. Mission Burma | 15 February, 2021 | Topics: Ambassador, News, Press Releases

Link : Here