[News from Congressman Chris Smith - 4th New Jersey
 

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Committee on International Relations
Subcommittee on Africa, Global Human Rights and International Operations


Smith to Examine Human Rights in Burma

BACKGROUND:  One of the most troublesome diplomatic challenges in Asia facing the international community is the human rights situation in Burma (renamed Myanmar by the military).  Since 1962, Burma has been ruled by inward-looking, nationalist military leaders and the current regime is no different. After coming into power after a violent crackdown in 1988, the regime has done little to change the living conditions in much of the country and human rights remain an afterthought.  

Forced labor and suppression of ethnic minorities have led to an exodus of 140,000 refugees and hundreds of thousands more remain internally displaced.  While Burma’s formal economy is in steep decline, proceeds from the sale of illicit narcotics, timber and gems – as well as oil and natural gas – help the regime to maintain stability.  The educational system in Burma is in shambles and the public health infrastructure is among the worst in the world with HIV/AIDS already widespread and continuing to grow.  

Since 1988, the U.S. has attempted to use concerted international pressure to help effectuate a restoration of democracy in Burma.  Existing U.S. sanctions were augmented in July 2003 by a comprehensive trade ban.  Although the European Union (EU) and other industrial countries have taken several punitive steps and limited their engagement with the regime, comprehensive multilateral sanctions have yet to be adopted.  In particular, China has supported the junta through arms sales, foreign aid, and robust trade tie and India has also aggressively courted Burma.  On a positive note, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN, which Burma joined in 1997) has recently moved from a posture of constructive engagement to a more proactive approach toward provoking change.  

WHAT: Human Rights in Burma: Where Are We Now and What Do We Do Next?
              Subcommittee Joint Oversight Hearing: 

               Subcommittee on Africa, Global Human Rights and International Operations 
              U.S. Rep. Christopher H. Smith (R-NJ), Chairman
             
Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific
             U.S. Rep. James A. Leach (R-IA), Chairman


WHEN:
Tuesday, February 7, 2006
               2:00 PM


WHERE: 2172 Rayburn House Office Building


WITNESSES:

Panel I:
The Honorable Christopher R. Hill,
Assistant Secretary, Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, U.S. Department of State;

The Honorable Barry F. Lowenkron, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor, U.S. Department of State;

Panel II:
Mr. Ko Bo Kyi, Secretary, Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (Burma);

Ms. Naw Win Yee, Shan Women's Action Network

Mr. Tom Malinowski, Washington Advocacy Director, Human Rights Watch;

Ms. Anastasia Brown, Director of Refugee Programs, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops###

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For Immediate Release: February 6, 2006
Contact:  Brad Dayspring (202) 225-3765