Myanmar has the world’s longest running civil war, with decades of violence mostly isolated to border regions. Myanmar’s military, the Tatmadaw, has a long track record of committing human rights atrocities, escalating humanitarian crises, and using widespread and systematic force in an effort to control the country. Since the coup in February 2021, conflict has spread into the heart of Myanmar where pro-military groups clash with those fighting for democracy. After international outcries of ethnic cleansing and genocide, Rohingya refugees continue to live in dilapidated camps as less than second class citizens. It’s been over a year since the president vowed to prioritize the people of Myanmar, and little has come from the United States beyond sanctions and empty statements. The number of people in Myanmar in need of humanitarian assistance has increased from around one million to more than 14 million people.

Many government entities have come together and established creative solutions to help the people of Ukraine. Now it is time to do the same for the people of Myanmar. The Senate must pass the BURMA Act. Additionally, the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM) should prioritize FY23 admissions for Rohingya refugees as is being done with Ukraine. The timing is especially important because the Bangladesh government is looking to support Rohingya refugees publicly.

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