Press Releases

Investors Urge Administration to Take Cautious Approach to Lifting Sanctions on Burma

Burma will remain a volatile area for business investment if the Obama Administration broadly relaxes U.S. sanctions, according to a dozen investors collectively managing more than $115 billion in assets. In a letter to President Obama, the investors cited concerns about the risk of derailing progress toward democracy and respect for human rights, stating that “without the rule of law or constitutional assurances that the judiciary will protect property or investments, Burma remains a volatile area for business investment.”

Human Rights Groups Hold Demonstrations, Demand Additional Sanctions on Sudan as Atrocities Escalate

Demonstrations will be held in New York City and Washington, D.C. as part of a week of action. Around the world, activists will show their solidarity with the people of Sudan and help to highlight the crisis with a Facebook action on Friday, April 27. They will post a special image indicating that they have taken action to “Stop Weapons of Mass Starvation” in Sudan and urge their networks to follow suit.

Human Rights Groups Resist State Department Efforts to Prematurely Reward the Burmese Regime

Nine human rights organizations are calling on the United States government to prioritize democracy and human rights in Burmaby exercising caution when it comes to the relaxation of sanctions.

In a letter to President Obama dated April 24, 2012, the groups urge a gradual approach that “enables the U.S. government to engage and influence the Burmese government in a direction that supports genuine and sustained political reform towards democratization, durable peace, and improved respect for human rights.”

Risk to Investors Continues in Burma, Despite Elections

Amid reports that the recent elections in Burma will lead to relaxation of international sanctions, high risks remain for investors despite initial reforms by President Thein Sein and the electoral victory of Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi.

Iraq’s Welcoming of Wanted War Criminal Bashir is Outrageous

United to End Genocide denounced Iraq for allowing the visit of Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir, who is wanted for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide, and called upon the United States to express outrage over the visit.