Photograph: Jack Hill for The New York Times

Dear John,

This week, the House passed the BURMA Act of 2021! 

In the two days leading up to this vote, and thanks to advocates like you, we sent nearly 500 letters calling on the House to pass the BURMA Act. But, we still need YOUR help to ensure the swift passage of this crucial legislation in the Senate.

As we remember Muslims from around the globe this Ramadan, we ask you to take action for the Rohingya facing genocide by writing to your Senators to follow the House in passing the BURMA Act.

Background:

For decades under the brutal rule of the Burmese military, the Rohingya Muslims - a stateless minority group in Burma - and other minority groups have suffered discrimination and violence. Since hostilities escalated in 2017, thousands of innocent men, women, and children have been killed, with over 900,000 Rohingya fleeing the country. In 2018, a United Nations report accused the military of carrying out mass killings and rapes with a “genocidal intent.” Last month, the State Department finally made an official genocide determination for the Rohingya Muslims and other minorities. The Rohingya are currently living in massively overcrowded camps in Bangladesh with an estimated 600,000 Rohingya still remaining in the Rakhine State in Burma.

For years, Emgage Action has tirelessly advocated for the Rohingya Muslims on the Hill and in-district through our chapters (VA, PA, NY, TX, MI, and FL). The BURMA Act, once passed, will impose necessary sanctions on individuals responsible for the repression of fundamental freedoms, human rights abuses, and use of indiscriminate violence. Additionally, this bill will support humanitarian assistance in Burma, Bangladesh, Thailand, and surrounding regions.

“[The] passage of my BURMA Act sends a clear message to the Burmese military that there will be accountability for their brutal and illegal February 1st, 2021 coup, and for its subsequent crimes against humanity," said Congressman Gregory Meeks. "Together with last month’s formal determination by the Biden Administration that the Burmese military committed a genocide against Rohingya, the passage of the BURMA Act reaffirms the United States’ leadership to protect human rights and democratic values and ensure accountability and justice.” 

Tell your Senators TODAY to pass the BURMA Act of 2021, so that those perpetrating this genocide can be held accountable and that we can effectively work towards achieving freedom for Rohingya Muslims.

Sincerely,

Wa'el Alzayat

Emgage Action CEO

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