Two Years after the Coup: Religious Freedom in a Contested Burma
Feb 08
Feb 8th 10:30am
U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom Hearing
Two Years after the Coup: Religious Freedom in a Contested Burma
Wednesday, February 8, 2023
10:30am-12:00pm ET
Virtual
The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) held a virtual hearing on religious freedom in Burma following two years of rule by the military junta. The hearing explored religious freedom conditions within Burma, the extent to which the coup has worsened conditions for ethnic and religious minorities, and the severity of its effect on efforts to repatriate religious refugees who have fled into neighboring countries such as Bangladesh, India, Malaysia, and Thailand.
Witnesses provided overviews on current and recent conditions for communities on the ground in Burma and discuss efforts toward a more democratic Burma. Participants also discussed the ways that U.S. policy can more effectively support and assist in the protection of freedom of religion or belief in the country.
- Nury Turkel, Chair, USCIRF
Written Remarks - Abraham Cooper, Vice Chair USCIRF
Written Remarks - Stephen Schneck, Commissioner, USCIRF
Written Remarks
Panel
- Priscilla A. Clapp, Senior Advisor, United States Institute of Peace and former U.S. Charge, U.S. Embassy Yangon
Written Testimony - Kyaw Zeyar Win, Burma Technical Specialist, International Republican Institute
Written Testimony - Zo Tum Hmung, Executive Director, Chin Association of Maryland
Written Testimony - Wai Wai Nu, Burmese activist on Rohingya and women’s issues
Written Testimony
This hearing is open to Members of Congress, congressional staff, the public, and the media. Members of the media should register online and can email [email protected] for any questions or to schedule an interview. The video recording of the hearing will be posted on the Commission website. For any additional questions, please contact Danielle Ashbahian at [email protected] or (202) 702-2778.