Statement on Aung San Suu Kyi's Congressional Visit Tomorrow

Dr. Katrina Lantos Sweitt, Chair of the U.S. Commission on International religious Freedom (USCIRF)

Aung San Suu Kyi photo: therebelkind.blogspot.com

(WASHINGTON DC) - “Aung San Suu Kyi is the world’s most recognized symbol of freedom and human rights and the best hope for Burma’s democratic future. She richly deserves the accolades she is receiving from the U.S. Congress and we congratulate her on the award,” said Katrina Lantos Swett, USCIRF Chair.

“In recent months, Burma’s democratic reforms are threatened by appalling sectarian and ethnic violence,” said Lantos-Swett. “Rohingya Muslim and Chin Christian ethnic minority groups face ongoing threats, discrimination, and mass displacement. The United States must keep working with Aung San Suu Kyi to advance democratic freedoms in Burma and convince the Burmese government and military that the protection of religious and ethnic minorities is vital to Burma’s future stability and prosperity, and its full integration into the world community.”

Brief Background

The Indianapolis Star recently published "Our View: Burmese Muslims face severe persecution" by USCIRF Commissioners Azizah al-Hibri and Robert P. George (http://www.uscirf.gov/news-room/op-eds/3806-962012-the-indianapolis-star-our-view-burmese-muslims-face-severe-persecution-.html).

USCIRF’s 2012 Annual Report with recommendations for the U.S. government to advance religious freedom in Burma can also be found at
( http://www.uscirf.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3320 ).----------------------------