Washington, DC – Today, Representative Gregory W. Meeks, Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued the following statement regarding Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s announcement that the Burmese military committed genocide and crimes against humanity against the Rohingya people:
“I commend the Biden Administration for making a formal determination that the Burmese military committed genocide and crimes against humanity against Rohingya. I have long pushed for this determination, including in my bill, the BURMA Act.
“We know that in 2016 and 2017 the Burmese military killed more than 9,000 Rohingya and forcibly expelled more than 800,000 to Bangladesh. As documentation of these crimes amassed and was corroborated by survivors and firsthand witnesses, it became clear that the horrific violence perpetrated against Rohingya amounted to genocide.
“More than five years after the beginning of this violence, today’s decision is a long-overdue step towards recognition and justice for Rohingya, who remain persecuted and without a home. The House Foreign Affairs Committee stands ready to be an equal partner with the administration in working to prevent further atrocities and, together with all stakeholders, ensuring accountability, justice, and reconciliation.”