Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today released the following new report:
Pursuing Justice and Accountability: Next Steps for the Rohingya Community of Burma – On March 21, 2022, Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken announced the Biden Administration had determined that the atrocities committed by the Burmese military, known as the Tatmadaw, against the Rohingya community constitute genocide and crimes against humanity. This factsheet provides an overview of the international crimes committed by the Tatmadaw underlying this designation. It also explores the three ongoing international legal cases seeking justice for the Rohingya and highlights actions the U.S. government has taken to support these cases. While this determination acknowledges the gravity of the crimes committed against the Rohingya community and affirms their human rights and dignity, it must be followed by increased action to promote justice and accountability. To this aim, this factsheet reiterates USCIRF’s recommendations from its 2022 Annual Report on how the U.S. government can further support justice for Rohingya survivors and ensure that the genocide determination paves the way toward meaningful accountability.
The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has monitored religious freedom conditions in Burma since 1999, when it first recommended that the country be designated by the U.S. Department of State as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC). In its 2022 Annual Report, USCIRF again recommended Burma continue to be designated as a CPC. In May and July 2021, USCIRF held two hearings on ending genocide which touched upon the conditions of Rohingya in Burma and explored opportunities to hold the Tatmadaw accountable for the atrocities committed against Rohingya. USCIRF has also highlighted the situation for the Rohingya community in Burma on an episode of the USCIRF Spotlight Podcast immediately following genocide determination.
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The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) is an independent, bipartisan federal government entity established by the U.S. Congress to monitor, analyze, and report on religious freedom abroad. USCIRF makes foreign policy recommendations to the President, the Secretary of State, and Congress intended to deter religious persecution and promote freedom of religion and belief. To interview a Commissioner, please contact USCIRF at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
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