Us Congress House Bill HR86

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/1/23
• Refer: 2/1/23

Caption

Condemning the Burmese military for perpetrating gross violations of human rights as part of its brutal campaign to suppress the democratic aspirations of the people of Burma, two years after the coup d'etat on February 1, 2021.

Impact

The resolution calls for comprehensive international action to hold the Tatmadaw accountable, including targeted sanctions against individuals and entities associated with the military. It emphasizes the need for the U.S. to work with international partners to enhance pressure on the Tatmadaw. Additionally, the resolution highlights the importance of providing humanitarian assistance to those affected by the military's actions, with a particular focus on ensuring that such efforts are not thwarted by sanctions intended to curtail the military's operational capabilities.

Summary

House Resolution 86, introduced in February 2023, is a formal condemnation of the Burmese military, known as the Tatmadaw, for its aggressive and brutal actions against the democratic aspirations of the people of Burma following the coup d'état on February 1, 2021. The resolution articulates the United States' stance on the situation, recognizing the Tatmadaw's unlawful seizure of power and subsequent human rights violations, including the suppression of political dissent and the detention of elected officials. It also acknowledges the significant civilian casualties and oppression faced by the Burmese population in the wake of this military action.

Contention

There are several points of contention surrounding House Resolution 86. Supporters argue that issuing a strong condemnation is vital for upholding human rights and supporting vulnerable populations in Myanmar, while critics may view it as an ineffective gesture that does not directly intervene in the humanitarian crisis. Moreover, the resolution's implications for U.S.-Myanmar relations and the potential for exacerbating tensions in the region are concerns for policymakers. The discussion around the effectiveness of sanctions as a tool of foreign policy in promoting change within Burma is also a significant area of debate.