Press Statement by Arakan Rohingya Union

Arakan Rohingya Union Welcomes US House Resolution Calling for Human Rights Democratic Reforms, and Timely Transition of Government in Burma Arakan

Rohingya Union (ARU) wholeheartedly welcomes the US House Resolution Calling for Human Rights, Democratic Reforms, and timely and peaceful transition of Government in Burma. The resolution was introduced by Rep. Joe Crowley (D-NY) and Rep. Steve Chabot (R-OH) who have shown unwavering support for democratic transition and rights of ethnic minorities in Burma. In the Resolution, the House of Representative: recognizes the Burmese peoples’ profound desire for change; congratulates those who chose to operate in the spirit of democracy; acknowledges the important roles played by the international community; acknowledges that while Burma has taken steps toward democratic rule, many important issues remain unresolved including constitutional, legal, economic, and security challenges that cause serious harm and violations of the basic rights of the people of Burma; expresses its deep concern about ongoing attacks in the Kachin and Shan states; expresses its deep concern about the plight of the Rohingya people, and urges the current and future governments of Burma to end discriminatory practices and instead work toward restoration of and respect for the rights of the Rohingya and all the people of Burma; urges the government and all other stakeholders to support constitutional reform;

Further, the Resolution calls on the President of the United States and Secretary of State to focus on securing solutions to urgent human rights and humanitarian problems, including fulfillment of the human rights and security commitments made by the current President of Burma to President Obama; supporting changes to issues described by the Department of State as ‘‘structural and systemic impediments to the realization of full democratic and civilian government’’ including constitutional changes; bringing about the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners, including those awaiting trial or sentencing; and supporting an end to offensives against ethnic nationalities and the creation of a peaceful federal union acceptable to the people of Burma;

The House of Representatives urges the incumbent government to support a timely, peaceful, and effective transfer of power to the new government. ARU urges the Government of Burma, in its strongest terms, to address all the political, humanitarian, human right, social, and several other issues faced by Rohingya ethnic minority, make the Rohingya issue a national priority, reinstate their full citizenship along with their ethnic and human rights, and repatriate all the IDPs in Burma to their original homes without precondition.

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