CSW and Burmese Rohingya delegation testify

A delegation organized by Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) and including the President of the Burmese Rohingya Organisation UK (BROUK) met today with Congressman Joseph Pitts, and presented evidence at a briefing in the U.S. Congress.

Maung Tun Khin, President of the Burmese Rohingya Organisation UK (BROUK), and Benedict Rogers, CSW’s East Asia Team Leader, briefed Congressman Pitts on the overall situation in Burma, including the plight of the ethnic nationalities. Benedict Rogers provided evidence from his recent visits to the Karen on the Thailand-Burma border, the Chin on the India-Burma border, the Kachin on the China-Burma border and the suppression of democracy inside Burma. Maung Tun Khin presented detailed evidence of the systematic persecution of the Rohingya people and the refugee crisis on the Bangladesh-Burma border.

The two activists also addressed a briefing in the U.S. Congress, organized by the congressional International Religious Freedom Caucus, and met staff in Senator Isakson’s office.

Maung Tun Khin said: “We are delighted to have had the great privilege of addressing a Congressional briefing, and meeting Congressman Pitts. We believe this visit has been an extremely valuable opportunity to provide a voice for all the people of Burma, including the Rohingyas, and to advocate for a UN commission of inquiry to be established, to investigate crimes against humanity and war crimes. We also hope the US will take urgent action to address the plight of the Rohingyas in Burma, and the refugee crisis on the Bangladesh-Burma border.”

Benedict Rogers said: “This has been a very important visit, during a crucial year for Burma. We have been able to present first-hand evidence of the long-neglected human rights and humanitarian crisis in Burma, and we hope that the US Administration will now take urgent action to bring an end to the suffering of all the people of Burma.”