PRESS CONTACT
Han Seth Lu
Director of Communications
communications@studentsforfreeburma.org
SFB WELCOMES THE PASSING OF THE NDAA WITH BURMA-RELATED AMENDMENT AND URGES U.S. SENATE TO SUPPORT THE BURMA ACT OF 2021
(San Francisco, California) – Students for Free Burma welcomes the passing of the Year 2022 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) in the U.S. Senate along with the Burma-related amendments to support the democratic movement in Burma. We are pleased to see that the U.S. Senate is taking steps to ensure that the U.S. government responds effectively to the military coup.
While the passing of the Burma-related NDAA amendments is a positive step in addressing the February 1 coup in Burma, those alone are not sufficient in holding the Burmese military junta accountable and assisting those in need. Building upon this legislative achievement, we urge members of the U.S. Senate to also support and co-sponsor the “Burma Unified through Rigorous Military Accountability Act of 2021”(BURMA Act of 2021)”. The Burma Act of 2021 will authorize the much-needed help and assistance to the people of Burma, Burma’s pro-democracy forces, civil society organizations, and humanitarian organizations. Additionally, the Burma Act will authorize appropriate sanctions on individuals and entities responsible for the mass atrocities and human rights abuses in Burma.
The Burma Act is more comprehensive in response to the coup compared to the reporting requirements on Burma policies mandated by the NDAA. We strongly encourage the U.S. Senate to support the Burma Act in support of the people of Burma and their fight for freedom and democracy.
About Students for Free Burma: Students for Free Burma (SFB) is a collective of Burmese activists, scholars, and students based in the U.S. and supporters working to advocate for democracy, freedom, and human rights in Burma. Our activism takes on a more policy-centric approach. We work to inform U.S. policy makers and the public on grave human rights violations, crimes against humanity, and other atrocities committed by the Burmese military, and to rally their support for democratic struggle in Burma. We also advocate and advise U.S policy makers on specific legislations and key policies relating to Burma.