PRESS STATEMENT

ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE

AUGUST 24, 2023

On August 25,  the sixth anniversary of genocide against Rohingya, the United States stands with the victims and survivors and reaffirms our commitment to pursue justice and accountability for the atrocities committed by the Burma military.  We are deeply grateful to the Government and the people of Bangladesh for giving shelter and refuge to nearly one million Rohingya, as well as other countries in the region hosting Rohingya refugees.

The United States has provided over $2.1 billion to assist those affected by the crisis in Burma, Bangladesh, and elsewhere in the region since 2017, remaining the leading single largest donor of life-saving humanitarian assistance to those whose lives have been upended by the violence.  The escalation of violence throughout the country has exacerbated the dire humanitarian situation, particularly for members of ethnic and religious minority communities, including Rohingya.  Since December 2017, the United States has imposed sanctions and visa restrictions on individuals and entities most responsible for the ongoing violence.

The United States remains committed to advancing justice and accountability for all the people of Burma and will continue to stand in solidarity with the people of Burma in their aspirations for a democratic, inclusive, and peaceful future.