Renewing the Call for Justice on Rohingya Genocide Remembrance Day

Renewing the Call for Justice on
Rohingya Genocide Remembrance Day

August 25, 2023 - On this sixth anniversary of the coordinated attacks in Rakhine State against Rohingya communities, we implore the international community to take concrete action to address the root causes of the Rohingya genocide and work alongside the Rohingya to find solutions to the decades long persecution that will lead to justice and peace and a foster a society and government in Burma (Myanmar) that is inclusive and representative of all of its people.

The failure thus far to adequately address the root causes of the Rohingya genocide have allowed the Burmese military to act with impunity. This lack of accountability has led to the persecution of suffering of communities across Burma and emboldened the military to illegally take power in a coup in February 2001.

Nearly one and a half years ago the U.S. made a determination that crimes committed by the Burmese military against the Rohingya amounted to genocide and crimes against humanity. But since that time, the U.S. has not revealed any strategy or policy that would help to resolve the plight of the Rohingya and bring about accountability, justice, reparations, or safety for the community.

We call on the U.S., working alongside the Rohingya to put forward a clear and comprehensive plan to advance efforts to hold those responsible for genocide and crimes against humanity accountable and address the urgent needs of Rohingya both inside Burma and those who are seeking refuge elsewhere.

Until the Burmese military is held accountable, civilians throughout Burma, including other marginalized communities, will continue to suffer and the U.S. genocide determination risks being in name only.

We also know that authoritarians in other parts of the world take note of the impunity. From Sudan to Niger to Syria, bad actors are also committing gross violations of human rights. It is imperative for the U.S. to play a role in curbing these heinous actions. A comprehensive strategy to address the Rohingya genocide is a clear and necessary opportunity that the U.S. must act upon. The Rohingya cannot wait any longer and deserve peace and justice now.

Impunity can no longer be an option, nor should it have ever been.

April 15, 2023

As fighting broke out between the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) earlier today in Khartoum and other areas of Sudan, we condemn the use of violence in all forms. We call for an immediate ceasefire, protection of civilians, for those targeting civilians to be held accountable, safe access for medical treatment, and for regional actors to not support any party to the conflict.

This is sadly a scenario that has been possible since the coup but was never taken seriously enough by the international community. In the cases of both the transitional government formed in 2019 and the subsequent coup of October 2021, Burhan and Hemedti were both given the benefit of the doubt that they could right their wrongs, find common ground and do what was needed to get Sudan on the track to be a democratically led country. If the world had looked realistically at the human rights records of both the former Janjaweed (now RSF) and the National Congress Party (NCP) dominated SAF, the foregone conclusion would have been that this was never going to happen.

The Janjaweed was formed under the leadership of former President Bashir and unleashed unrelenting violence on civilians in Darfur over the past twenty years. The rebranding as the Rapid Support Forces in 2013 did not make them any less dangerous. The SAF has its own set of human rights violations that have been committed for decades, including in Darfur. None of this should be forgotten when looking at the role both forces have played following the revolution. Both took part in the coup that overthrew Bashir in 2019 but by placing themselves in power, they clearly ignored the demands of the Sudanese people who led a revolution in order to achieve freedom, peace and democracy - not a new authoritarian regime. The international community's decision to wait and see how the various actors in the transitional government would work together before taking punitive measures against the perpetrators of the coup set a dangerous precedent. This unwillingness to acknowledge the wrongdoings and concerns with both Burhan and Hemedti sent a signal that they could push the boundaries further without repercussions. Hence the military coup of October 2021, which removed the civilian elements of the transitional government. Even then, the international community did little more than make statements of concern, further communicating that aggressive actions to undermine the transitional process would be tolerated. 

In the months following the December signing of a Framework Agreement, and a path towards formation of a new transitional government, there was one clear stumbling block - security sector reform. In this current context, both Hemedti and Burhan have far too much to lose in unifying as one military under a civilian led government. For Hemedti and RSF, the loss of power by folding into the military was always unacceptable. Burhan and SAF have long opposed Hemedti. The continual growth of his forces and economic prowess (through illicit means) have become intolerable for them. 

This leads us to today. The situation is incredibly concerning as both sides have too much to lose and the condemnation they have both expressed about each other’s actions makes it hard to see a clear path to de-escalation. The risk of mass casualties is high and the Sudanese people have already paid much too high a price for their desired freedom. No matter what the international community does at this point is too little, too late but it is still necessary in order to prevent further atrocities. 

The UN Security Council must convene an emergency session and make a unified call for an end to hostilities. The statements and messages coming from various entities involved in negotiations including regional and international governments must not end with words. They must be followed by consequences for the actions of those involved in the violence. Impunity can no longer be an option; If it hadn’t been an option following the Darfur genocide, Sudan might not be in the position it is today. It’s not too late to right the wrongs of history. The Sudanese people believe in their country and we must steadfastly stand with them. 

Marking One Year Since the Rohingya Genocide Determination by the U.S.

A year ago today, Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced the determination "that members of the Burmese military committed genocide and crimes against humanity against Rohingya." For activists, human rights advocates and above all, the Rohingya themselves, the facts that led to this determination have long been known. But the determination made by the United States is important because it's a recognition of the systemic persecution and attempts of extermination that the Rohingya have experienced for decades. Recognition is never enough though. While the U.S. has provided $2 million to the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar, has increased engagement with opposition leaders in Myanmar and continues to be the largest contributor to humanitarian assistance to the Rohingya response, the U.S. has thus far failed to lay out a strategy for how to properly address the root causes of the genocide. We call upon Congress to provide a holistic policy for the U.S. regarding the Rohingya to address both the short term and long term needs of the community, and help the Administration fulfill their promise to “walk the path out of genocide.” Inaction will only embolden the perpetrators of both this and other genocides, and risks setting a precedent that a genocide determination by the U.S. is in name only. A holistic approach to ending the genocide, one that addresses the underlying causes, will not only benefit the Rohingya but all persecuted communities and individuals in Myanmar. A desire for peace, justice and equality need not be just a desire. The Rohingya of Burma know the steps that need to be taken to achieve these desires. They just need the international community, including the United States, to stand with them.

Honoring with Intention

On a recent trip to Washington DC, I finally had the opportunity to visit the US Holocaust Memorial Museum. I can't say why it has taken me so long to visit, except to say that every trip I take to DC seems to be jam packed. I thought I was prepared for what I would see but quickly realized I was not. That's because the reality is you can never be prepared to bear witness to these types of horrors. No matter how much I have studied and worked on genocide prevention every story is its own, and with it comes the thoughts and emotions that we must feel when we witness atrocities - how could this have possibly happened, and what can I do to make sure it never does again?

As I made my way through the permanent exhibit, I saw the varying experiences of each community, in each village, town, city, in each country. The bravery and empathy displayed by those who risked their own lives to save others; the perseverance, hope, and will to survive by so many who were persecuted and targeted; but also the unimaginable pain and terror some chose to inflict. The reality is that humans are capable of extraordinary actions - both great and horrible.

Since its dedication in 1993 the US Holocaust Memorial Museum has welcomed more than 47 million visitors, including 100 heads of state and more than 11 million school-age children. The permanent exhibit is moving and thought provoking. At one moment you can be enraged at what took place during the Holocaust, and at another inspired by the countless stories of hope and good will. So too is another exhibit in the Museum - Burma's Path to Genocide. This exhibit explores the decades long persecution and attempted erasure of the Rohingya of Burma.

It was at the USHMM that on March 21, 2022 Secretary of State Blinken officially determined that members of the Burmese military committed genocide and crimes against humanity against Rohingya. Blinken made this announcement after touring the exhibit on the Rohingya. In his speech, he said, "One of the unsettling truths of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum is that there’s never a time I visit here when its lessons do not feel deeply resonant. But I have to tell you, I can recall few times when that history felt so urgent, or the responsibility it imparts on all of us so pressing. . . . By learning to spot the signs of the worst atrocities, we’re empowered to prevent them."

Almost one year since Secretary Blinken's Rohingya genocide determination there has been no meaningful change for the Rohingya community. While what Secretary Blinken said was true, by learning we are empowered to prevent atrocities, we must continually work to take substantive action to truly mean Never Again.

International Holocaust Remembrance Day is January 27. It was officially proclaimed in 2005 by a resolution adopted by the UN General Assembly. The resolution, in part reads:

Recalling the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, which was adopted in order to avoid repetition of genocides such as those committed by the Nazi regime,

Recalling also the preamble of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which states that disregard and contempt for human rights have resulted in barbarous acts which have outraged the conscience of mankind,

Reaffirming that the Holocaust, which resulted in the murder of one third of the Jewish people, along with countless members of other minorities, will forever be a warning to all people of the dangers of hatred, bigotry, racism and prejudice,

Requests the Secretary-General to establish a programme of outreach on the subject of the “Holocaust and the United Nations” as well as measures to mobilize civil society for Holocaust remembrance and education, in order to help to prevent future acts of genocide.

It is with the intention of honoring this day and in memory of all of the lives tragically lost in the Holocaust that we must commit ourselves to stop repeating history. The US Holocaust Memorial Museum and so many other institutions, educators, survivors and advocates have dedicated themselves to this work. Today, International Holocaust Remembrance Day, may we pledge to continue these efforts. As Anne Frank once said, "What is done cannot be undone but one can prevent it being done again."

Lauren Fortgang is the co-founder and director of the Never Again Coalition.

Reflections on the 2023 International Anti-Corruption Conference

Last month, Never Again Coalition's Financial Accountability Analyst, Kelly McDermott, attended the International Anti-Corruption Conference in Washington, DC. Please read more about Kelly's key takeaways from the conference including how to reduce opportunities for corruption and increase the costs of corruption. NAC is a member of the Financial Accountability and Corporate Transparency Coalition (FACT) where we work with other organizations to combat corrupt financial practices that often fuel kleptocrats' persecutory policies.

The International Anti-Corruption Conference was held in DC, December 6-10, 2023. This conference is held every other year in various locations around the globe and was well attended by delegations from all over. The conference is sponsored by the host country and Transparency International. There were several strong themes that were consistently referenced throughout the plenum and breakout sessions. In order to fight corruption globally many participants spoke about the need for transparency. Open contracts, government finances, corporate payments, ownership of personal assets were all mentioned, as well as the absolute necessity of transparency on the beneficial ownership of companies. The US was praised for its recent decision to do away with anonymous beneficial ownership but the conference attendees saw this as an important step in a long process to true accountability, globally and publicly. The ability of civil society, journalists, local governments and law enforcement to ascertain who owns what and to be able to track money is critical in stopping illicit flows and beginning the process of accountability and the repatriation of stolen assets.

Another primary theme of the conference was the need to clearly define goals and delineate what behavior is being targeted for change. Along with this is the recognition that multiple stakeholders must be involved for actions against corruption to be truly effective. This means beginning by empowering local organizations and people with knowledge of a situation to be involved in policy decisions and actions, but also includes involving international financial institutions, corporations,  and multilateral cooperation from interested governments and agencies. If the goals are defined clearly and the net of actors working to implement them is broad enough then there will be higher compliance and success. 

There was much discussion of asset seizures and the process of asset returns, which are currently a very small fraction of assets stolen. The war in Ukraine and the focus of western governments to try and use seizures to pressure Putin and generate revenues for the rebuilding of Ukraine has focused attention on the practical application of existing laws and procedures and how they can be made more robust and functional. In this sense corruption has been successfully linked to national security. 

Probably the best summary if the overarching theme is threefold: how to reduce opportunities for corruption, increase the costs of corruption, and incentivize good behavior. To achieve this, in addition to the above specific areas, the focus is on better utilizing and enforcing existing laws, working better across agencies, looking for potential pressure points and being organized to the extent that when an opportunity presents itself there is a go to plan for how to take advantage of it already developed. 

Listen, Learn, Remember, Act

My daughter once asked me if I would go back to being a pastry chef (my former profession) if genocide ended. I said, of course. While the question might seem ridiculous, what I most appreciate about it is her absolute sense of hope. She believes in a world free from persecution, free from attempts to erase and destroy entire populations. It is with that sense of hope that I remain committed to this work. Never Again doesn’t have to be hollow if we remain committed. 

Today is International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and of the Prevention of this Crime, a long name for a seemingly unsolvable crime. December 9 is also the anniversary of the adoption of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide in 1948. Seventy four years later, would the signers of the convention believe that atrocities, including genocide, continue to be committed with impunity? Why is it that the world continues to fall flat on the pledge of never again? The U.S. alone has determined that genocide occurred in Bosnia, Rwanda, Iraq, Darfur, areas under control of ISIS, China, Burma and Armenia. Journalist Philip Gourevitch once wrote, “. . the problem remains that denouncing evil is a far cry from doing good.” This leads to the bigger question, what does “doing good” look like and how can we truly prevent and end genocide? 

To answer this question, let’s look at one example. 

In March of this year, Secretary of State Blinken announced the determination by the U.S. that genocide had been committed against the Rohingya of Burma, at the hands of the Burmese military. If you were a Rohingya refugee living in Bangladesh, you might have thought that was a signal that further action was planned. After all, the U.S. had been sitting on its own report with the evidence for more than three years. The U.S. did commit to more financial assistance for the UN’s Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar to document and preserve evidence of crimes committed against the Rohingya. While acknowledgement of a genocide is an critical step, it isn’t the most important. Evidence preservation is also essential, in order to achieve legal accountability. 

What is most crucial though, is addressing the root causes of a genocide. Without this, the genocide will go on perpetually, or until a community truly is erased. Policy decisions and a lack of political will often stand in the way of confronting the underlying situation that lead to a genocide. In the case of the Rohingya, the U.S. has failed to take meaningful action that will impede the Myanmar military’s ongoing carte blanche. This means cutting off the junta’s revenue sources, namely Myanma Oil and Gas Enterprise; as well as limiting their ability to commit violent acts, through both an arms embargo and ban on jet fuel. While each of these actions is paramount to weakening the junta, they will be more effective if done multilaterally. Engagement with the National Unity Government and National Unity Consultative Council is also critical to push for equitable inclusion of the Rohingya in all elements of a future federal Myanmar. Creating conditions conducive for repatriation will take time. In the meantime, the rights of Rohingya, wherever they are seeking safety, must be respected. If all of these actions were taken, we would be doing good.

So where do things stand? Are these actions being taken? We welcome the inclusion of the BURMA Act in the final version of the FY2023 National Defense Authorization Act. This bill will help to create a more comprehensive U.S. policy towards Myanmar. However, the bill has been greatly pared down and language on the Rohingya has been stripped. In Bangladesh, Rohingya are experiencing a continued stripping of rights, with limited access to education and livelihoods, restrictions on freedom of movement and civil society organizing and serious protection concerns. Rohingya still living in Rakhine State are also living in dire conditions. With no safe alternatives, Rohingya have been attempting to flee to safety in record numbers. Just this week multiple boats carrying Rohingya refugees have been stranded at sea as they seek safety in other countries. Only one boat has been rescued thus far and Rohingya refugees on it were handed over to Myanmar military officials. All of this begs the question, are we doing good or is the international community not only failing the Rohingya, but possibly complicit in the attempted erasure? 

This brings me back to the signatories of the Genocide Convention seventy four years ago. Was their intention merely to recognize genocide? No. It was a collective pledge stating, “genocide, whether committed in time of peace or in time of war, is a crime under international law which [we] undertake to prevent and to punish.” It is our moral obligation to do everything we can to end genocide. By addressing the root causes, not only will we play a role in ending the Rohingya genocide; these actions will contribute to a just and inclusive Myanmar for all of its people. In order to do this, and in all cases of persecution no matter where they occur, we must do the following:

Listen to affected communities 

Learn how we can support community-led efforts

Remember that we cannot continue to repeat history

Act with hope, commitment and in solidarity

Together we can and will end genocide.

Lauren Fortgang is the co-founder and director of the Never Again Coalition.

Recommitting ourselves - A call to action on the 5th anniversary of the Rohingya genocide.

As we mark the 5th anniversary of the violent clearance operations, led by the Burmese military against the Rohingya, we reaffirm our commitment to continue to stand with the Rohingya community in the pursuit for justice, accountability, safety and dignity. The August 2017 attacks led over 700,000 Rohingya to flee to safety in Bangladesh. Those remaining in Burma face ongoing persecution as do Rohingya throughout the diaspora, including in India, Thailand and Malaysia. We know that what happened in 2017 was not the beginning of the genocide, but a symptom of the systemic persecution the community has faced for decades. In March of this year, Secretary of State Blinken announced the U.S. determination that actions committed against the Rohingya, by the military in Burma, amounted to genocide and crimes against humanity. The U.S. is the largest donor to the Rohingya response in Bangladesh and pledged 1 million in funding to the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar, but a question begs to be asked - has life improved for the Rohingya since the U.S. genocide determination? The simple answer is No and while it shouldn’t be expected for the situation to have an immediate improvement, there is an urgent need for substantive action to be taken, not just by the U.S. but by the international community as a whole. As the late chairman of Arakan Rohingya Society for Peace & Human Rights, Mohib Ullah once said “If you wait to take action, we will die.” August 25th is known as Rohingya Genocide Remembrance Day but we must acknowledge that this genocide is not something of the past. It is ongoing and requires concrete action to address both the root causes of the genocide as well as the immediate needs of the community. If meaningful steps are not taken, it risks deminishing the very meaning of genocide and sends a message to genocidaires in Burma, and elsewhere around the globe, that there won’t be consequences for their actions. 

Above all, Rohingya must be at the center of all decisions affecting their lives. A failure to include and empower Rohingya risks perpetuating the genocide further. We commit to working alongside the Rohingya community in our advocacy and believe that “never again” can have meaning if the international community joins together and siezes the opportunity to bring the perpetrators of these crimes to justice and supports the path out of genocide and to a life of dignity, safety and full rights for all Rohingya.

Reflections on Yom Hashoah

Today we remember all those lost in the Shoah, the Holocaust. On this day, it is a tradition to read the names of those that perished. We are honored that the Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education has asked us to participate in the local Reading of Names taking place in Pioneer Square, downtown Portland.

This month, in honor of Genocide Awareness and Prevention Month, we co-hosted a series of events focused on resisting cultural erasure. We know that this ritual of reading names is incredibly important because it is an act of defiance, and serves as evidence that the the Nazi attempt to erase Jewish people and culture did not succeed.

"Never Again" can feel hollow as we acknowledge that despite our efforts, atrocities continue to occur in our time. But we choose to see it as a daily reminder to commit ourselves to the ongoing struggle to deny the orchestrators of genocide the satisfaction of succeeding. Honoring the victims of past genocides is one such way to do this.

Our director, Lauren Fortgang, wrote a poem to root us in this moment, on this day, but also as a reminder to carry this work forward in our daily lives.

I say your name.

I say your name because I refuse to forget.

and when I say your name, it isn't just words. You come to life.

your experiences

your greatest joys

your favorite moments

the time in between one moment and the next

the conversations

the arguments

the laughter

the secrets

the sorrow

the heartache

the celebrations

the triumphs.

You existed.

No one can erase that.

No one can ever take away you being you.

I say your name because in doing so, we all exist.

I refuse to turn away from the pain

the anguish

the loss

the fear

the heartache

the hunger

the sadness.

If I refuse to turn away from these things, there can be no loneliness.

Because I will not let you walk this path alone.

I say your name because

you are you

and I am me

we will always exist if I just say your name.

If you are in Portland, we encourage you to visit Pioneer Square today, April 28, 2022 for the Reading of the Names from 10am-5pm PT

Photo of Les (z"l) and Eva Aigner at the Oregon Holocaust Memorial, courtesy of Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education.

Myanmar Coup - One Year On

Statement on the one-year anniversary of the February 1 coup in Myanmar

February 1, 2022

The coup in Myanmar is a direct result of the lack of accountability for crimes committed by the Tatmadaw and associated individuals and entities. When action is not taken to address this behavior, it only serves to embolden the Myanmar military. This is not only a huge step back for Myanmar and its path to genuine and inclusive democracy, it is a step back for all fledgling and fragile democracies. We can see this in the number of coups that have taken place since February 1 including Sudan, Mali, Guinea and Burkina Faso. 

There is an undeniable attack on democracy, globally. The people of Myanmar are risking everything to restore the path to democracy that was so tragically interrupted one year ago. They are prepared to lead this work but they need the international community to stand with them. It is the collective responsibility of the world to uphold the basic rights of freedom and dignity to all people. The inaction by some countries and direct support by others continues to hinder this process. It is far past time for tangible action. It’s not too late to reverse the destructive trajectory that the Tatmadaw has set the country on. 

These actions must be guided and led by civil society in Myanmar and include:

• Multilateral action to cut of key revenue flows to the junta that is followed by thorough implementation

• A universal and enforced arms embargo

• Further and complete isolation of the junta through a commitment by all engaged actors to not take part in direct dialogue with the junta

• Unilateral support for current and new accountability mechanisms to address the systemic human rights abuses through the country. 

• Delivery of humanitarian assistance and robust support to civil society

There is a long process ahead to bring about the needed changes in Myanmar that will allow all individuals in the country, and those that have been forced to flee, to live in peace, freedom and genuine democracy. We continue to be inspired by the people of Burma who have proven they won’t give up. With that in mind, we share these quotes:

“We are not calling on the world to save us. We are leading this fight for justice and freedom ourselves. But we are calling on the world to stop aiding and abetting this brutal regime.” Zau Maran from Fortify Rights in an op-ed.

“[T]he people of Burma, including all ethnic groups across the country, are fighting back to regain their rights. It is time for the international community to stand with us in our struggle instead of standing by. The people of Burma are not asking too much, only to hold the Burmese military accountable for the unspeakable crimes they have been committing. We ask the international community to help stop selling weapons to the Burmese military and to stop funding them.” writes Myra Dahgaypaw of the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee.

Democracy activist Thinzar Shunlei Yi said, “It is not a year under Coup or Military Junta, Feb 1st is an anniversary of the People's Revolution for Democracy, Freedom, Justice & Accountability. We are commemorating the people's continued resistance & fighting spirit against the fascist military & its ideologies.”

“It is past time for the international community to hold the Myanmar military and security forces accountable for their heinous crimes. Countries must impose targeted economic sanctions and financial penalties on the military junta and its related businesses, and enable cross-border aid to be delivered to those forcibly displaced by the coup attempt. The UN Security Council and Secretary-General must uphold their mandate for peace and security, including by issuing a global arms embargo on Myanmar and referring the country’s situation to the International Criminal Court. In cooperation with Myanmar humanitarian organizations and civil society, governments and its leaders must urgently provide comprehensive psychosocial, economic, and livelihood support to victims and survivors of the junta’s atrocities, including sexual and gender-based violence. The people of Myanmar, including its women and girls, cannot bear another year of the junta’s reign of terror and the international community’s broken promises for peace.” from Women’s Peace Network’s statement on the anniversary of the coup.

“These days, I oscillate between pride and shame, hope and despair, optimism and pessimism. Yet I do remain hopeful. I see a big, transformative shift within Burmese society when it comes to finally acknowledging that minority groups have suffered systemic discrimination and oppression, and a new willingness to change this. Again this is led by young people who believe in diversity and inclusivity. All these herald good things for Myanmar’s future, if only we are allowed to have one,” says Thin Lei Win, founder of Kite Tales.

38 Organizations and Individuals Call on Senators to Include Sudan Amendment in NDAA

On November 28, thirty eight organizations and individuals sent a letter to Senators Reed and Inhofe, Chair and Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, calling on them to include Senator Coons’ Sudan Democracy Act in the final version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).

Senator Coons’ legislation would mandate the imposition of targeted sanctions against individual actors or entities who undermine freedom, peace, and justice, violate human rights, or impede a civilian-led democratic transition in Sudan.

“Impunity emboldened the Sudanese military to stage the coup and it will continue to commit crimes and human rights violations against the Sudanese people, block democratic transformation, and essentially hold the country hostage unless they are held to account.”

The Senate is expected to vote on the NDAA later this week. The U.S. Congress played a crucial role in supporting the Sudanese people’s desire for freedom, peace, justice and democracy following the ousting of Bashir in 2019. Passage of the Sudan Democracy Act will demonstrate continued and significant congressional support at a time when it is desperately needed.

Read the full letter here and below.

---

November 28, 2021


The Honorable Jack Reed
Chairman, Senate Armed Services Committee
U.S. Senate

The Honorable James Inhofe
Ranking Member, Senate Armed Services Committee
U.S. Senate

Re: Support for Including Sudan Democracy Act in NDAA

Dear Chairman Reed and Ranking Member Inhofe,

We, the undersigned XX organizations and individuals who work on issues of human rights in Sudan, write to urge you to include the Sudan Democracy Act (Amendment 4816) in the manager's package to the NDAA or to bring the amendment to a floor vote. 

The Sudan Democracy Act will mandate the imposition of targeted sanctions against individual actors or entities who undermine freedom, peace, and justice, violate human rights, or impede a civilian-led democratic transition in Sudan. The military coup on October 25 in Sudan and subsequent and ongoing violent action by security forces against civilians represent violations the amendment seeks to address and deter.

The agreement signed by General Burhan and Prime Minister Hamdok on November 21 cannot be seen as a resolution.  Despite Hamdok’s reinstatement as Prime Minister, the government remains predominantly in military control. Large numbers of politicians and activists are still detained. Violence on the day the agreement was signed brings the confirmed death toll of civilians by military forces to 41 since the coup began. Arrests of activists and resistance committee members continue. The total number of those detained, harmed and killed remains unclear due to the internet blackout, with reports now surfacing of mass casualties and the destruction of villages in Darfur. 

These and other actions are a clear sign that the military continues to be a threat to Sudan, hindering democratic transformation, economic recovery and stability, a new bilateral relationship with the U.S., and ultimately regional peace and security. 

Despite these challenges, Sudan’s  peaceful protesters will not give up. In the face of grave danger and unrelenting violations to their rights and freedoms, millions continue to come out on the streets across Sudan in protest to military rule.  

Following the ousting of Bashir in 2019, the U.S. has played a crucial role in supporting the Sudanese people’s desire for freedom, peace, justice and democracy. Including Amendment 4816 in the manager’s package to the NDAA or allowing a floor vote will demonstrate continued and significant support at a time when support is desperately needed. Impunity emboldened the Sudanese military to stage the coup and it will continue to commit crimes and human rights violations against the Sudanese people, block democratic transformation, and essentially hold the country hostage unless they are held to account.

As Senator Coons stated, General Burhan and the military have “unleash[ed] security forces to gun down dozens of peaceful protestors in the streets. This is unacceptable and unconscionable, and those responsible must be held accountable for the blood on their hands.”  We agree, and we ask you to continue to stand by the people of Sudan. Please include the Sudan Democracy Act (Amendment 4816) in the manager's package to the NDAA or bring the amendment to a floor vote.

Sincerely, 

Organizations
Girifna
The Sentry
Global Centre for the Responsibility to Protect
Sudanese American Public Affairs Association
Sudanese American Physicians Association
Act for Sudan
Sudan NexGen
Association of Sudanese-American Professors in America
Sudan Unlimited
Never Again Coalition
Jewish World Watch
Humanity United Action
Al Khatim Adlan Centre for Enlightenment and Human Development 
Darfur and Beyond
Nubia Project
Pittsburgh Darfur Emergency Coalition
Darfur Action Group of South Carolina
Project Expedite Justice
NY Coalition for Sudan
Investors Against Genocide
Concerned Citizens for Change
Use You Voice to Stop Genocide RI
Massachusetts Coalition to Save Darfur
Sustainable Development Response Organization
US Educated Sudanese Association
Brooklyn Coalition for Darfur and Marginalized Sudan
Center for International Private Enterprise
University of Gezira Alumni Association in North America
Association for the Sudanese Abroad in Support of the Uprising
Our Humanity in the Balance
Global Media Max 

Individuals
Baroness Cox, Humanitarian Aid Relief Trust, UK
Jehanne Henry, Independent human rights lawyer
Sally Elatta, CEO, Agility Health
Mohamed Yassin Khalifa, Educator and Human Rights Activist
Abdelaziz Ali, Freelance Communications Consultant
Albaqir al-Affif Mukhtar, Director, KACE
Najlaa El Khalifa, Human Rights Advocate

cc: Senator Robert Menendez, Chairman, Senate Foreign Relations Committee
  Senator James Risch, Ranking Member, Senate Foreign Relations Committee