[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 188 (Monday, December 10, 2007)]
[Senate]
[Page S15040]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS DAY

  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, this is International Human Rights Day. 
I would like to take a moment to call attention to the tragic lack of 
human rights the world recently witnessed in Burma.
  A few months ago, we watched in hope as pro-democracy activists took 
to the streets in quiet protest against the oppressive policies of the 
State Peace and Development Council.
  Then we watched in horror as the Burmese regime showed its ugly face 
by putting down peaceful protesters, killing many, and leaving still 
more unaccounted for. Soon the sound of gunfire gave way to rumors of 
tortured prisoners and the rounding up of Buddhist monks who had sought 
nothing more than justice and peace and freedom.
  Unfortunately, the news cycle also gave way to new stories and new 
images. A world that had been outraged about what it saw in Burma soon 
moved on to other pressing things. But the Senate has not forgotten. We 
are not fooled by SPDC's all-too-modest efforts at ``dialog'' with Aung 
San Suu Kyi, nor are the people of Burma, nor are the people of the 
world.
  So it is my hope on this International Human Rights Day that the U.N. 
Security Council will this month turn its attention to consideration of 
an arms embargo on Burma. Burma faces no external threats. It uses its 
weapons not to defend itself but to maintain its grip on power and 
intimidate its own people.
  Several weeks ago, Senator Biden and I introduced S. 2257, the Burma 
Democracy Promotion Act of 2007, which would further tighten U.S. 
sanctions on the SPDC. A companion measure in the House is expected to 
be considered soon.
  It is my hope that in the very near future we can move to Burma 
sanctions legislation. In so doing, we would reaffirm this body's 
longstanding commitment to freedom and democracy in Burma.
  Let's not forget the images that shook the world, nor the people who 
stood up against their oppressors, many of whom still suffer for the 
bravery they showed in those days.
  On this International Human Rights Day, let's show them around the 
world we remember their struggle.

                          ____________________