Burma: USCIRF Examines Religious Freedom Violations During Fact-finding Trip to Burma

By U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom • September 5, 2014

USCIRF conducted its first-ever Commissioner-level visit to Burma between August 19-23, 2014. Traveling to Rangoon, Mandalay, Meiktila and Naypyidaw, USCIRF met with Union and state government officials, Ran-goon-based representatives of ethnic and religious groups, representatives of non-governmental organizations, representatives of political parties, including Aung San Suu Kyi, and religious leaders. During this trip, USCIRF examined ways to promote tolerance and inclusion in light of the violations of religious freedom that have taken place, as well as the violence and discrimination reli-gious and ethnic minorities have experienced.

The visit not only confirmed USCIRF’s concerns about religious and ethnic minorities and the ongoing discrimination against Rohingya Muslims, but that Burma belongs on the list of “countries of particular concern” (CPC). USCIRF has recommended since 1999 that Burma be designated as a CPC for its severe religious freedom violations and highlighted policies the U.S. gov-ernment could undertake to encourage reform and respect for human rights. The State Department has designated Burma as a CPC since 1999. The Com-mission will issue a full report of its trip and share policy recommendations with relevant U.S. and international stakeholders.

Download the full report here.

Tags: Arakan/Rakhine, Buddhism, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, Freedom of Religion, Mandalay, Muslims, Rohingya, U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, Violence

This post is in: Human Rights

Burma: USCIRF Examines Religious Freedom Violations During Fact-finding Trip to Burma

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