The Unitarian Universalist Service Committee advances human rights through grassroots collaborations.
Take Action! The U.S. cannot support abuse and murder by the Burmese government
By on September 8, 2017
A bipartisan amendment (S.A. 607) introduced by Senators Markey, Gardner, and Cardin would cut off U.S. military assistance to Burma’s army, which is accused of crimes against humanity. We need to mobilize NOW and urge the Senate to adopt this amendment and we only have a few days!
The United States must act to stop the systematic brutality the Burmese military is inflicting on the Rohingya, and we need you to help amplify this message. Follow the instructions below to contact your Senator before the Tuesday vote.
Call your Senator now!
- Call (202) 224-3121. This number will direct you to the Capitol switchboard
- Ask to be connected to your Senator (Note that you will need to call twice to reach both senators!)
- A legislative assistant or answering machine will answer the phone. Give them this message, filling in your personal details:
“Hello, my name is ____ ____. I’m a constituent from [State and zip code]. I don’t need a response. I am calling to urge my senator to oppose increased embrace of the Burmese military by co-sponsoring Senate Amendment 607 to the National Defense Authorization Act. Thank you.
- If you haven’t already, call again to connect with your other senator.
- Tell your friends, family, and colleagues to join you in this action!
In the past two weeks, hundreds of thousands of the Rohingya minority population of Burma have fled to Bangladesh and India. Bangladesh Border Guards have reported seeing Burma’s military fire machine guns and mortars at those trying to flee, including children. Many are stuck on the border where landmines have been buried. Thousands have died and untold numbers are being denied life-saving humanitarian aid.
Myanmar’s military chief, Min Aung Hlaing, is arguably the most powerful person in Burma. He continues to oversee soldiers who rape women, arbitrarily shoot civilians, and burn entire villages to the ground. It is also under his command that conflicts in Kachin and Shan states have escalated, and he who has blocked constitutional reforms that would make Burma a legitimate democracy.
Incredibly, the current draft of the military budget, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) which the U.S. Senate will consider next week calls for an expansion of U.S. military engagement with the military of Burma. This is unconscionable and the U.S. government’s message to Burma’s military must be clear: There can be no further engagement or assistance until the government of Burma ends abuses and demonstrates a real commitment to accountability and reconciliation.
Thank you!
