[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 199 (Wednesday, December 6, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1662]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   CONDEMNING ETHNIC CLEANSING OF ROHINGYA AND CALLING FOR AN END TO 
   ATTACKS IN AND AN IMMEDIATE RESTORATION OF HUMANITARIAN ACCESS TO 
                             RAKHINE, BURMA

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                               speech of

                        HON. BRENDA L. LAWRENCE

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 5, 2017

  Mrs. LAWRENCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House 
Concurrent Resolution 90, which condemns ethnic cleansing of the 
Rohingya and calls for an end to the attacks, and an immediate 
restoration of humanitarian access to the state of Rakhine in Burma.
  Many consider the Rohingya one of the most persecuted minorities in 
the world.
  The stories that have come out in recent weeks and days are 
devastating and horrific.
  The waves of brutally violent campaigns against the civilians--marked 
by mass killings, sexual violence, and forced displacement--have 
resulted in one of the fastest-growing refugee crises of our time.
  Women, who account for the majority of those inside the refugee 
camps, face widespread rape and other forms of sexual violence, and 
some are even being sold as sex slaves.
  Just like our zero-tolerance policy towards persecution within our 
borders, we must be crystal clear that the United States will not 
tolerate the persecution of innocent men, women, and children around 
the world.
  I strongly believe that, with the help of the international 
community, we will find a peaceful solution to this crisis, despite 
various obstacles in our way.
  This resolution is one step forward in that direction.

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