Dear the Honourable Ed Case, and Kai Kahele,

As the representatives of the Burmese Community in Hawaii, we are writing to you regarding the ongoing crisis in Burma. As you are aware, the military seized power from the democratically elected government of Burma in February by utilizing excessive force and imprisoning Burma’s elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi along with other members of her government. Hundreds of innocent people – many of them young Burmese – have been murdered while taking part in peaceful protests; numerous others have been imprisoned. The conflicts in Burma’s ethnic areas, most well-known of which being the plight of the Rohingya, have also been exacerbated by the coup. Without the visibility of human rights watchers and the international community at large, those in the military who are intent on eliminating Burma’s ethnic groups have been emboldened to carry out their plans, resulting in the murder and displacement of thousands. The coup d’état has needlessly added insult to injury, forcing immense suffering and grief on the Burmese people amid the global pandemic that continues to overwhelm the entire country.

The National Unity Government (NUG), the Burmese government in exile opposing the military, is attempting to assist innocent civilians during the crisis. NUG is composed of elected parliamentary members (From the 2020 election). Its main objectives are to gain international assistance for the Burmese people and restore democracy in the country. Nevertheless, NUG foresees hindrances in acquiring support and assistance from countries around the world. To operate effectively and efficiently, NUG needs to be recognized as the de facto government of Burma. Thus, we are requesting that the United Senate Congress show solidarity with Burma’s grieving citizens by strengthening support for NUG and recognizing it as the Government of Burma.

Furthermore, we want to make a dire appeal for humanitarian assistance for the country. The Delta variant of the Covid-19 virus is widespread in Burma and the patients are in need of oxygen, medicine, and medical appliances to help them survive and recover from Covid-19. For internally displaced people who were forced to abandon their homes due to the military coup and are currently living in camps (there are 42 000 IDPs from February to May 2021), food, clothes, medicines, and masks are priority needs. Since the military forced closures of oxygen factories and pharmacies recently, people are desperate and helpless. Faced with the dual crises of the pandemic and the coup, the country’s economy is rapidly diminishing putting many in Myanmar at risk of starvation very soon. Moreover, the monsoon floods will arrive in the coming months. We need help now.

We do appreciate your attention and consideration. We, the Burmese Community and the Advocates for the Myanmar Democratic Movement in Hawaii, on behalf of our families and friends in Burma, request the United States’ assistance, support, and encouragement for our country. We want our democracy and freedom restored and value the United States’ friendship during this dark time in our country’s history.

Sincerely,

The Burmese Community and the Advocates for the Myanmar Democratic Movement in Hawaii