Burma needs Sen. Mitch McConnell’s help in holding military junta accountable

Eleven months have passed since Burma’s military took over the country in a coup against a democratically-elected civilian government. The military takeover threatened an emerging democracy in Southeast Asia at a time when authoritarianism runs rampant around the world.

From public protests and demonstrations on the onset of the coup to armed resistance against the military junta, the people of Burma are showing the world that they will resist forces of authoritarianism and dictatorship with everything they have. From civil servants participating in the civil disobedience movement (CDM) to civilians protesting in the streets, people are doing everything in their power to protect the progress made to advance freedom and democracy in the last decade. This seemed to be what Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, Burma’s democracy icon, would have wanted to see in her people.

In an act of defiance against military rule, the National Unity Government (NUG) was formed in April. The group represents leaders of civil society groups, ethnic minorities, and elected lawmakers. In the face of danger and personal sacrifice, people from all walks of life are resisting the coup and the forces of injustice that would once again reign over the free people.

In the U.S., Burmese diaspora groups show up to protests against the military coup in major metropolitan areas. From the rolling hills of Kentucky to the plains of Texas, Burmese diaspora communities made cross-country trips to Washington, D.C., calling Congress to do more in support of their brothers and sisters back home, specifically to support the Burma Act of 2021.

Introduced in Congress in October, the Burma Act seeks to hold Burma’s junta accountable for the crimes and atrocities it has committed as well as to provide humanitarian assistance to the Burmese people and support pro-democracy groups in Burma. Many groups including activists and pro-democracy forces believe that this legislation will pave the way for the much-needed help and support for the people of Burma in tangible ways.

However, progress on the Burma Act in Congress had stalled due to a lack of bipartisan support in the Senate. Senate Republicans including Senator McConnell have yet to pledge their support for the consequential legislation on Burma. In November, Senator McConnell along with colleagues in the Senate introduced a Burma-related bipartisan amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) of 2022. The NDAA as well as Senator McConnell’s proposed amendment recently passed in the Senate. The NDAA amendment requires relevant US government officials to report to Congress on US efforts to restore Burma’s democracy and actions taken in support of the NUG and other entities promoting democracy in Burma.

The Burmese diaspora appreciates Senator McConnell’s continued leadership and commendable support for Burma. However, the Burma-related NDAA amendment lacks the mandate to ensure accountability for the atrocities committed by Burma’s junta and the authorization of assistance and support to help the population and the pro-democracy movement. Senator McConnell and his colleagues in the Senate can and must do more than the NDAA amendment in helping restore Burma’s democracy and aid the Burmese people in their fight for freedom and democracy.

In contrast, the Burma Act will require more than just reporting on the US’s effort against the coup-makers in Burma. It will authorize vital support for the civil society and humanitarian assistance for the people as well as provide a comprehensive and strategic policy framework to address the man-made crisis in Burma.

It is crucial that Senator McConnell and his colleagues in the Senate support the Burma Act which is more comprehensive and stronger. Just as the resistance to the military dictatorship has united Burma’s democratic forces and various ethnic groups, we urge Senator McConnell and his senate colleagues to work across party lines to support the Burma Act and help the people of Burma. Kentucky’s 10,000 strong Burmese constituents are counting on Senator McConnell’s leadership and continued willingness to reach across the aisle to support the people of Burma and the torch bearers of Burma’s democracy. Those of us in the free world must lend support to the people of Burma in their hour of greatest need.

Nyan Lin was born in Burma and came to the U.S. for college in 2013. He currently resides in Boyle County.

This story was originally published January 11, 2022 at 9:27 AM.