What does Preamble of Burma GAP Act do?

This bill aims to provide protection, support, and humanitarian assistance to Rohingya refugees and internally displaced people in Burma. The bill seeks to promote accountability and a path out of genocide and crimes against humanity for Rohingya.

What does SHORT TITLE. of Burma GAP Act do?

This bill is formally titled the 'Burma Genocide Accountability and Protection Act' or the 'Burma GAP Act'.

What does FINDINGS. of Burma GAP Act do?

This section outlines findings related to the situation of the Rohingya people in Myanmar (Burma) and Bangladesh. It references reports from the United Nations Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Myanmar (FFM) which found impunity was a root cause of human rights violations and that ensuring accountability is key to disrupting cycles of violence. The U.S. House of Representatives has expressed the view that atrocities against Rohingya constitute crimes against humanity and genocide. Since a February 2021 military coup, the Burma military has continued to commit crimes and abuses against Rohingya, particularly in Rakhine state, where over 600,000 Rohingya face heightened risks. The U.S. Secretary of State has determined that members of the Burmese military committed genocide and crimes against humanity against Rohingya. The United States has been a leading contributor of humanitarian assistance in response to the Rohingya crisis. Restrictions on aid access by the Burma military may amount to violations of international law. Over 15% of Rohingya children in refugee camps in Bangladesh suffer from malnutrition, and increased funding is needed to meet their nutritional needs. Funding cuts and rising commodity prices have exacerbated protection concerns for Rohingya refugees, leading to unsafe migration and increased insecurity. The long-term denial of rights has negatively impacted the mental and physical well-being of Rohingya and perpetuates the risk of future violence.

What does STATEMENT OF POLICY. of Burma GAP Act do?

This section establishes U.S. policy to uphold Article I of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. It aims to prevent and end atrocities against Rohingya by addressing root causes, holding perpetrators accountable, and supporting solutions that respect their human rights. The policy supports Rohingya civilian leadership in various locations through consultation and collaboration. It seeks to provide holistic support to the Rohingya community to overcome persecution and discrimination. The United States intends to collaborate with other countries to protect Rohingya human rights. The policy calls for coordinated engagement with the United Nations and other entities to address protection concerns. It mandates diplomatic and economic isolation of the Burma military junta until civilian rule is restored.

What does SENSE OF CONGRESS. of Burma GAP Act do?

This section expresses the sense of Congress regarding the United States' responsibility to prevent and punish genocide, including against Rohingya. It supports providing assistance to Rohingya to address systemic persecution, marginalization, and violence, following the State Department's 2022 determination of genocide and crimes against humanity. The section emphasizes addressing the Rohingya and broader Burma crises concurrently to prevent recurrence. It calls for the United States to collaborate with donor nations to ensure Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh receive adequate humanitarian aid. The United States should encourage other countries to provide assistance and follow U.S. leadership in protecting Rohingya. The section supports voluntary resettlement or safe repatriation of Rohingya refugees to Burma when conditions permit. Congress believes the United States should not recognize the Burma military junta as the legitimate political representative of the Burmese people.

What does UNITED STATES SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE AND POLICY COORDINATOR FOR of Burma GAP Act do?

This section establishes a Special Representative and Policy Coordinator for Burma. In the absence of a U.S. Ambassador to Burma, the Secretary of State may appoint a Senior Foreign Service Officer to this role. The Special Representative's duties include promoting international efforts to restore civilian democratic governance and address humanitarian needs in Burma. The Representative is tasked with consulting with various governments and organizations to coordinate policies toward Burma. They will also assist the United Nations Special Envoy in securing the release of political prisoners and promoting dialogue. The Representative must consult with Congress on policies relevant to Burma and its people. Coordination of multilateral sanctions against Burma among allies and partners is also a duty. The Representative is expected to support protection, humanitarian assistance, and accountability efforts for Rohingya and other ethnic minorities. This section is set to terminate five years after the Act's enactment.

What does SUPPORT FOR PROTECTION EFFORTS AND DURABLE SOLUTIONS WITH of Burma GAP Act do?

This section directs the Secretary of State to support efforts to protect Rohingya and prevent atrocities against them and other Burmese ethnic minorities. The Secretary should engage in crisis response and maximize the safety, security, and well-being of Rohingya in Burma and throughout South Asia and Southeast Asia. Specific actions include supporting Rohingya refugees' access to international protection, facilitating legal support for those facing abuse, and supporting mechanisms to overcome internet restrictions. The Secretary should work with other governments to strengthen regional coordination on search and rescue, safe disembarkation, and assistance for Rohingya refugees. Support for host communities is included, through technical assistance and cooperation with local organizations. The Secretary should engage Bangladesh and the international community to establish mechanisms for Rohingya refugees to file protection claims and seek accountability, including improving access to justice within Bangladesh. The section also promotes durable solutions for Rohingya, including their inclusion in various sectors in Burma and training on atrocity prevention for key stakeholders. Preparatory steps for the safe and voluntary return of Rohingya are emphasized, including restoring their rights and citizenship, and recognizing them as an official ethnic group. The Secretary should work with allies to broaden resettlement programs and support the voluntary resettlement of vulnerable individuals. Repatriation of Rohingya refugees is supported only when conditions are conducive for a safe, voluntary, and sustainable return with full rights restored.

What does HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE AND SUPPORT FOR ROHINGYA REFUGEES AND of Burma GAP Act do?

This section directs the Secretary of State to continue providing assistance to Rohingya refugees, internally displaced persons, and host communities. Supported activities include protection programming for Rohingya civil society leaders and human rights activists. The section supports Rohingya civil society and community-based organizations, encouraging Bangladesh to allow their operation in refugee camps. Programs will address gender-based violence, trafficking, and forced marriage. Support is provided for education, including higher education, for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh. Livelihood support is included through vocational training and volunteer programs. Basic needs such as food, nutrition, healthcare, shelter, and sanitation will be supported. The section also supports efforts to preserve Rohingya culture, history, and memory.

What does PROMOTING ACCOUNTABILITY FOR GENOCIDE AND CRIMES AGAINST of Burma GAP Act do?

This section directs the Secretary of State to take actions to promote accountability for genocide and crimes against humanity committed against Rohingya in Burma. The actions include supporting comprehensive justice and accountability, consulting with the Rohingya community, and supporting entities like the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar. The section emphasizes collecting and preserving evidence of genocide and crimes against humanity for potential prosecutions. It calls for providing financial and technical assistance to Rohingya-led efforts to monitor and document evidence. The Secretary of State is encouraged to develop an intergovernmental fund to support reparative justice for Rohingya victims. Engagement with Burma's leadership is encouraged to acknowledge genocide, restore Rohingya citizenship and rights, and ensure compensation. Support is directed toward institutional reform and guarantees of nonrecurrence in Burma, including the inclusion of Rohingya in governance. The section also promotes truth, justice, nonrecurrence, and reconciliation through convening various stakeholders in Burma.

What does REPORT. of Burma GAP Act do?

This section mandates annual reports from the Secretary of State regarding efforts related to Rohingya and other Burmese ethnic minorities. The reports must be submitted to congressional committees within 180 days of the Act's enactment, and annually thereafter for five years. The reports must include a description and assessment of U.S. government efforts to address atrocity risk factors, deter atrocities, provide humanitarian assistance, document crimes, and promote justice. The reports must detail actions taken pursuant to sections 6, 7, and 8 of the Act. The reports must assess the effect of these actions on the advancement of policies described in section 3. The reports must list activities and programs initiated under the Act. The reports must include data on the number of Rohingya refugees resettled in the United States and other countries. The reports must describe new challenges facing Rohingya and assess early warning indicators. The reports must provide recommendations for implementing the Act and advancing related policies, potentially including legislative, administrative, or resource-related actions. The report must be submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified annex.

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Burma GAP Act

Last updated: 7/22/2025 · Introduced: 6/25/2025

Author: Gregory Meeks (D-NY)

TL;DR (AI)

The bill establishes a Special Representative and Policy Coordinator for Burma to promote civilian governance, address humanitarian needs, and support accountability efforts for Rohingya and other ethnic minorities.
It directs the Secretary of State to support protection efforts for Rohingya refugees, including access to international protection, legal support, and humanitarian assistance in Bangladesh and throughout South Asia.
The bill mandates actions to promote accountability for genocide and crimes against humanity committed against Rohingya, including evidence collection, reparative justice initiatives, and engagement with Burmese leadership.
It authorizes appropriations of $5 million annually for atrocity crime investigations and $4 million annually for programs to capture and analyze evidence of atrocities against the people of Burma.
The bill requires annual reports to Congress detailing U.S. government efforts to address atrocity risk factors, provide humanitarian assistance, document crimes, and promote justice related to Rohingya and other Burmese ethnic minorities.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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