Mizzima.com-Sept 21
Melissa A. Brown, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, testified before the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission on human rights in Burma in the aftermath of the February 2021 coup d’état last week, saying the US government was committed to help Burma. In her September 13 testimony, Deputy Assistant Secretary Brown said, “The worsening situation in Burma represents a serious human rights crisis and, increasingly, a threat to regional stability. The administration remains deeply committed to resolving the crisis in Burma – to return the country to a path toward an inclusive federal democracy, one that respects human rights.” She said that the Bureau also appreciates the strong bipartisan support in Congress for its actions and for the Burma Act, which she said is a valuable tool to help return Myanmar to democracy. The Burma Act was passed by the US Senate on 15 December 2022. It allows the US government to deal directly with opposition groups in Myanmar, such as the National Unity Government and People’s Defense Forces (PDFs). The Commission is charged with promoting, defending and advocating for international human rights as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other relevant human rights instruments. The Commission undertakes public education activities, provides expert human rights advice and encourages members of Congress to actively engage in human rights matters. Read more at: https://www.mizzima.com/article/us-committed-resolving-crisis-burma-says-secretary-state-deputy
