It has been a dark week for Myanmar and the persecuted Rohingya people. On Sunday, Myanmar’s military (also known as the Tatmadaw) staged a coup – arresting activists and civilian leaders, including Aung San Suu Kyi, and retaking power after ten years of fragile democracy. Confirmed reports reveal orders for police officers to disperse protesters by firing rubber bullets, and the military has expanded its dragnet throughout the week and is arresting more government leaders.
President Joe Biden has condemned the Tatmadaw’s actions and has called on them to relinquish power and release those they have taken prisoner. The United States has called the military’s actions a coup and, as a result, will restrict foreign assistance to Myanmar.
While this is an important first step, the only way to truly protect the Rohingya and the will of the people is to declare the Tatmadaw’s atrocities a genocide.
We will be delivering a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken next week demanding that the United States makes this determination and levy substantial sanctions. If you haven’t yet added your signature to the letter, this is the week to do so.
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