WASHINGTON, D.C.- Congressional Progressive Caucus Co-Chairs Rep. Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ) and Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN), First Vice Chair Rep. Mark Pocan (D-WI), and Rep. James P. McGovern (D-MA) released the following statement urging the Trump Administration to support the establishment of a U.N. Commission of Inquiry into possible human rights violations against Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar.
“We are deeply concerned about the treatment of Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar. There are credible and consistent reports of killings, sexual assaults, arbitrary detentions, and the destruction of villages. Yet the Myanmar authorities have frequently denied allegations of human rights violations.
“We urge the Administration to support the establishment of a U.N. Commission of Inquiry into possible crimes against humanity in Myanmar. We need a proper, impartial investigation into the conduct of Myanmar’s state security forces against the Rohingya, and an independent, UN-mandated Commission of Inquiry would uncover the truth.
“Secretary Tillerson has previously stated, ‘Not only is the mistreatment of the Rohingya a tragedy, but it also threatens to radicalize a generation of young Rohingya. The United States must support regional and international efforts to investigate abuses and pressure the Burmese government and military.’
“We strongly urge Secretary Tillerson and the Administration to implement his statement with action and support the establishment of a U.N Commission of Inquiry at ongoing meetings of the UN Human Rights Council."
The Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC) is the largest caucus within the House Democratic Caucus, with over 70 members standing up for progressive ideals in Washington and throughout the country. Since 1991, the CPC has advocated for progressive policies that prioritize working Americans over corporate interests, fight economic and social inequality, and promote civil liberties. The CPC champions progressive policy solutions like comprehensive immigration reform, a $15 national minimum wage, fair trade, gun violence reform, debt-free college, and making the federal government a Model Employer.
###
