Source: www.uscirf.gov
Date: November 4, 2021
Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today released the following new report:
Burma Country Update – This country update assesses religious freedom conditions in Burma since the military coup on February 1, 2021. On February 1, 2021, the Burmese military—known as the Tatmadaw—launched a coup to overturn election results that would have locked them out of the civilian-led government. Protests against this coup were met with violence from the Tatmadaw. The coup exacerbated already dire religious freedom conditions for Burma’s vulnerable ethno-religious communities, including the predominantly Muslim Rohingya and various Christian groups. The Tatmadaw has also targeted members of the Buddhist majority who have expressed opposition to the military junta. In addition to detailing significant religious freedom violations against these religious communities, the factsheet details the responses of various international and domestic actors—including the U.S. government—that aim to hold the Burmese military accountable and stem future violations.
The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has monitored religious freedom conditions in Burma since 2000, 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 2021 Annual Report, USCIRF once again recommended Burma continue to be designated as a CPC. On July 28, 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 the coup.
###
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