US Lawmakers Urge Humanitarian Action in Myanmar, According to Reuters

By Simon Lewis

Members of the House of Representatives are launching the first bipartisan caucus on Myanmar to urge U.S. administrations to take action regarding the ongoing crisis in the Southeast Asian nation, which has persisted since the military coup three years ago.

Republican Bill Huizenga from Michigan and Democrat Betty McCollum from Minnesota will co-chair the Congressional Burma Caucus. This initiative aims to strengthen congressional support for the fight for democracy and human rights in Myanmar.

Three years ago, on the same date, Myanmar’s military took control, detaining democratic leaders, including Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi. This event triggered a youth-led pro-democracy uprising that escalated into an armed resistance following a brutal crackdown.

“The humanitarian crisis in Burma has reached a level that urgently requires attention from congressional leaders,” the lawmakers stated.

The caucus is expected to include at least 30 members initially, as noted by Kristiana Kuqi from Campaign for a New Myanmar, an advocacy organization involved in establishing the caucus. The goal is to maintain focus on Myanmar amidst other pressing issues such as the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza and U.S. tensions with China.

“The more engaged we have Congress and congressional staff, the more we can influence change regarding Myanmar,” said Kuqi.

Advocates are urging the Biden administration to provide increased support to anti-coup forces in Myanmar. Last year, Congress passed legislation permitting the U.S. government to offer non-lethal assistance to these groups and to form an advisory body to decide on the fate of approximately $1 billion in Myanmar assets that were frozen after the coup.

Recently, the U.S. announced new sanctions targeting companies and individuals linked to the military, specifically focusing on resources used for aerial bombings that have frequently impacted civilians, as well as the military’s ability to manufacture weapons.