Chin Association of Maryland: BURMA: Escalating Human Rights and Religious Freedom Violations, Targeting Minority Christians

May Shine, Southeast Asia Affairs Co-Director - 2/3/25

Image Source: Asia Times

Since the February 2021 Myanmar military coup, led by the Tatmadaw, human rights and religious freedom violations - primarily against minority Christians - have escalated. Authoritarian regimes commonly oppress minority groups, and in majority Buddhist Myanmar, those practicing other faiths often face discrimination. However, the 2021 coup sparked unparalleled unity amongst the Burmese people, with various ethnic and religious groups coming together as never before. On February 3, a hearing was held at the Dirksen Senate Office Building in Washington, DC, to discuss the rising human rights violations in Myanmar. US Senator Chris Van Hollen from Maryland urged the US government to act and hold the Burmese military accountable for its crimes. This event marked the third time the Chin Association of Maryland, a non-profit organization supporting the Chin ethnic group, held such a session. Many of these individuals had fled to Mizoram, India, for safety. This year was different because those attending had direct connections with various minority groups in the country, and essential figures from the capital were included in the discussion. The event was divided into two sessions and led by influential figures committed to making a change for Myanmar's people.

 In the first session, H.E. Duwa Lashi La, acting president of the National Unity administration of Myanmar, briefed on the present state of affairs in Myanmar and indicated his willingness to work with the US administration while calling for more action. Afterwards, Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) discussed his dedication to advancing opportunity, equality, and justice. Senator Todd Young (R-IN), a bipartisan problem solver with deep ties to the Burmese population in Indiana, followed and promoted the 2023 Burma Act. The session also featured U. Aitareya, a Burmese monk and abbot of Aung Myay Mingala Monastery, who had a significant role in supporting refugees in the US. 

The second session included representatives from various minority groups, including a Rohingya refugee who fled genocidal attacks in 2017 and Deputy Zin Mar Aung, the National Unity Government’s Minister of Foreign Affairs. Dr. Stanley Cung, a senior pastor at Emmanuel Chin Baptist Church in Milwaukee, WI shared how his brother had his ring finger severed by the Burmese military for being Christian. Carolyn Nash, Amnesty International USA’s Asia Advocacy Director, shared her experiences in Myanmar and her advocacy for human rights. Many people called for US action, and this event indeed showed the unity and diversity of efforts to improve Myanmar. The ongoing civil war in Myanmar is not just about democracy; it is also about the struggles of ethnic and religious minorities who do not have the same rights and freedoms as the Burman majority. 

Additionally, the International Religious Freedom Summit, which took place in Washington, DC, February 4-5, presented another opportunity to continue advocating for Myanmar and its people, who endure immense suffering. The humanitarian tragedy in Myanmar, which encompasses the problems of civil conflict, security, and religious freedom, must continue to receive attention from the international community. Prioritizing minority Christians, human rights and religious freedom violations have escalated since the Tatmadaw-led military takeover of Burma in February 2021. While authoritarian regimes frequently impose this kind of oppression, especially in a nation with a large Buddhist population where non-Buddhists often face discrimination, the coup also brought the Burmese people together for a cause that had never been seen before.

Overall, this event was important because many in the West see the Burmese struggle simply as a fight for democracy against the coup. However, the root issue of the ongoing civil conflict is the systematic denial of equal rights and freedom to minority groups in a predominantly Buddhist society. Events like the worldwide religious freedom summit in Washington, DC, February 4–5, 2025, gave crucial opportunities to continue advocating for the people of Myanmar who face daily challenges amid civil conflict, security issues, and restrictions on religious freedom.