WASHINGTON-The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom mourns the death of Rep. Tom Lantos (D-CA), an eloquent champion of human rights and a determined advocate for advancing the freedom of thought, conscience, and religion or belief around the world.

"Rep. Lantos combined a nobility of purpose with an unwavering commitment to translating ideals into practical action," said Commission Chair Michael Cromartie. "We, along with so many around the world, will sorely miss his support, friendship, and leadership in the human rights field."

As Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and as a co-founder and Co-Chair of the Congressional Human Rights Caucus, Rep. Lantos was one of the most vital voices on Capitol Hill for the promotion of human rights in U.S. foreign policy. "Despite the many demands on the time and attention of such a senior member of Congress, victims of human rights abuses could consistently rely upon Rep. Lantos to be an advocate for freedom," Cromartie said. "Rep. Lantos never hesitated to speak on behalf of those with no political voice."

Rep. Lantos was a longtime partner in the work of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, a bipartisan body he helped bring to life through his support for the 1998 International Religious Freedom Act, landmark legislation that defined the importance of advancing religious freedom and associated human rights in American foreign policy.

"Rep. Lantos had the unique ability to inspire broad support for vitally needed rights measures that transcended party lines," said Commissioner Felice D. Gaer. "His background as a Holocaust survivor and American immigrant enabled him to shape America's human rights policies with unique empathy, determination, and effectiveness. We were so fortunate to have his powerful moral and political leadership in shaping foreign affairs. His absence is an immeasurable loss to the advocates of freedom worldwide."

The Commission extends its deepest condolences to Rep. Lantos' wife, Annette, and the rest of his family.

WASHINGTON-Commissioner Nina Shea briefed congressional staff on Jan. 29, 2008, on recommendations for making U.S. policy toward Burma more effective. The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom developed the recommendations after sponsoring a hearing on the brutal Burmese government crackdown on the Buddhist monks, students and others who led and took part in last fall's Saffron Revolution. The recommendations were contained in a 4-page letter on Jan. 11 to President Bush from the Commission, which urged extra efforts to advance democratic reform and respect for human rights in Burma as a major priority of the Administration and was signed by Commission Chair Michael Cromartie. The recommendations include:

·establishment of an interagency taskforce on Burma under the National Security Council. This taskforce should be headed by a senior ranking official, to coordinate U.S. government policy on Burma;

·appointment of a Special Coordinator on Burma at the State Department to coordinate bilateral and multilateral diplomatic efforts and to serve as the Administration's point person for efforts to bring about democratic reform in Burma; and

·continuing, firm U.S. support for various UN diplomatic efforts including:

•granting unimpeded access to the UN Special Rapporteur on Burma and the UN Secretary General's Special Envoy on Burma;

•engaging in constructive dialogue with the UN Human Rights Council and its special procedures, especially the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Myanmar and the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief; and

•initiating action on a UN Security Council resolution that will include a binding timeframe and offer the UN Secretary General a clear mandate in his interactions with Burmese authorities.

The Commission letter pointed out the desperate need for U.S. leadership to keep the international focus on demands for democracy and the protection of human rights in Burma. "The world cannot turn its back on Burma and allow the regime's brutal repression to continue. Inaction or silence allows Burma's military leaders tighten their grip on Burma's people," Commissioner Shea said at the briefing. "The United States should continue to take a leading role in shaping bilateral and multilateral efforts to bring about a peaceful democratic transition."

The off-the-record briefing was chaired by Rep. Trent Franks (R-AZ), sponsored by the congressional Task Force on International Religious Freedom, and included the participation of Rep. Joseph Pitts (R-PA). David Mathieson, Burma Consultant in the Asia Division of Human Rights Watch, and Jennifer Quigley, Advocacy Coordinator for the U.S. Campaign for Burma, also took part.

• instruct the U.S. Embassy in Vietnam to investigate these reports, register concern about the treatment of Le Thi Cong Nhan, and seek a meeting with her to assess her condition; and
• issue a directive to U.S. government officials traveling to Vietnam to raise the cases of Nguyen Van Dai and Le Thi Cong Nhan and call for the release of all Vietnamese religious freedom and other human rights advocates jailed or detained under similar circumstances.