Congresswoman Claudia Tenney Deeply Concerned with Ongoing Violent Crackdowns in Burma

Washington, DC -- Congresswoman Claudia Tenney, member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, today expressed her deep concern with the ongoing crisis in Burma and the recent violent crackdowns on peaceful protestors. Tenney is calling on the international community to condemn the coup and the blatant violation of fundamental human rights. 

Since February 1, 2021, Burmese military leaders have remained in control of the country. They have used this unlawful control to violently oppress ethnic minorities, including firing artillery into Burmese villages and displacing over 7,000 people, and now killing and suppressing peaceful protestors.

“I am deeply concerned by reports of peaceful protestors being killed in Burma by military leaders who have taken control of the country. These violent crackdowns and blatant abuses of human rights have led to the deaths of more than 120 protestors. The United States, and the international community, must fully condemn these atrocities. It is clear that U.S.-imposed sanctions are not enough when innocent people continue to be killed in their communities,” Congresswoman Tenney said. “I’m asking our partners around the world, including the United Nations Security Council, to stand with the people of Burma and call out these grave violations of fundamental human rights.”

As a cosponsor of H.R. 1112, the Protect Democracy in Burma Act, Tenney has called on the Biden Administration to take action and hold the Burmese military accountable for the coup while also engaging diplomatically to promote a return to Burma’s democratic transition. This legislation was adopted unanimously by the House Foreign Affairs Committee. 

Utica, New York, in the 22nd Congressional District, is home to more than 4,000 Burmese refugees and new Burmese-American citizens.