Grateful to US House for its Work on Behalf of the Besieged Rohingya

Contact: Kelly Hengesbach, 571-257-7423

WASHINGTON, Nov. 19, 2013 /Christian Newswire/ -- The Arakan Rohingya Union (ARU), the only credible international umbrella organization that speaks on behalf of Rohingya organizations from around the world, today thanked Representatives Jim McGovern (D-MA) and Joe Pitts (R-PA) for introducing House Resolution 418 entitled, "Urging the Government of Burma to end the persecution of the Rohingya people and respect internationally recognized human rights for all ethnic and religious minority groups within Burma."

"All members of the ARU are grateful to Representatives McGovern and Pitts, as well as Representatives Franks and Smith, for their leadership on this fundamentally important issue," stated ARU Director General, Dr. Wakar Uddin.

Over the past year, tension and conflict between the minority Rohingya Muslim people and other ethnic groups have continued to increase in the country of Myanmar. The new democratic civilian government, which was formed in 2010 after decades of harsh military rule, has made a few minor attempts at resolving this persistent issue, but serious measures have yet to be taken. This period of intolerance and brutality will only continue until all Rohingya people have been killed or have fled Myanmar.

The resolution calls on Burma to end the persecution and discrimination of the Rohingya people and ensure respect for internationally recognized human rights for all ethnic and religious minority groups, and encourages the United States and the international community to put consistent pressure on Burma to end such persecution and discrimination.

"The ARU has been actively engaged in educating Members of Congress on the ongoing violations of the fundamental rights of Rohingya and we are grateful that our suggestions and advice were heard and acted upon," Dr. Uddin stated. "The active engagement of the US Congress and the Obama Administration is a key factor in saving the lives of the suffering Rohingya population in Myanmar."