Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor Tom Malinowski will lead a delegation of senior U.S. officials from the Departments of State, Defense, and Treasury, to Mawlamyine, Mon State, Hpa-An, Karen State, Rangoon, and Naypyitaw, Burma, June 22-28. The delegation will discuss Burma’s peace process and national reconciliation, promote responsible investment, and engage senior Burmese military officials on human rights.
The delegation will meet with civil society, representatives of ethnic groups, and political leaders to discuss Burma’s 2015 national elections, the status of reforms, and issues facing their local communities and constituencies.
In Karen and Mon States, Assistant Secretary Malinowski will meet with ethnic nationality leaders and religious community leaders to discuss how the United States can best support national reconciliation and the promotion of tolerance and diversity.
In Rangoon, A/S Malinowski will be joined by Associate Director John Smith of the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control to discuss transparency, accountability, human rights, the environment, and responsible investment with local and international business leaders.
The delegation has also extended an offer to meet with individuals in the Burmese business community currently on the U.S. Specially Designated National List to discuss meaningful steps towards support for peace, stability, and political and economic reforms in Burma. A/S Malinowski will also discuss the current humanitarian situation in Rakhine state with key stakeholders.
In Naypyitaw, Assistant Secretary Malinowski, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for South and Southeast Asia Amy Searight, and Deputy Commander, U.S. Pacific Command, Lieutenant General Anthony Crutchfield will meet with senior military and civilian leadership to discuss human rights concerns.