Guest contributor

James Shwe

In February 2021, the Myanmar military staged a coup, dismantling the democratically elected government and plunging the country into crisis. Since then, the Myanmar people have bravely resisted the military’s rule, demanding a return to democracy and human rights.

The Myanmar diaspora in the U.S plays a strong role in supporting this fight by organizing rallies, encouraging resistance, and raising funds for humanitarian assistance. Additionally, the diaspora has gained experience in advocating for Myanmar by themselves, enhancing their efforts for a democratic transition.

Our Advocacy Efforts and Achievements

The Myanmar diaspora in the U.S. has been working tirelessly to support Myanmar through two main channels:

Grassroots mobilization: We use social media platforms to reach a wide audience and encourage individual action. Our focus is on contacting congressional representatives and informing them of what’s happening in Myanmar and how they can help. We hold meetings when necessary to advocate for policies that support the Myanmar people’s struggle.

Last year, through grassroots mobilization, we successfully advocated for increased funding for the BURMA Act, securing $121 million over $ 50 million USD proposed by the house for 2024 in vital aid for Myanmar. The USAID July 2024 Fact Sheet detailed $93,625,000 USD has already been distributed.

Collaboration with established organizations: We work alongside the National Unity Government (NUG), the Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH), and civil society organizations (CSOs) to amplify our voices and achieve shared goals.

Strengthening Our Advocacy: Building a United Front

To achieve our goals, we are focusing on:

Local advocacy groups: We are establishing diverse local advocacy groups across the U.S., reflecting Myanmar’s ethnic, religious, and social backgrounds to foster understanding and trust within the diaspora community.

Education and Communication: By educating the diaspora on the U.S. government system, we aim to facilitate more strategic engagement with policymakers. Strong relationships with congressional representatives will ensure our voices are heard.

Transparency and Open Communication: We emphasize accurate and timely information dissemination to combat disinformation and maintain open communication channels within our organization and the broader diaspora community.

Addressing Challenges and Advocating for a Democratic Transition

Despite our progress, significant challenges remain:

Access to the Burma Caucus: Access has been limited but getting better. We urged the Caucus to be more inclusive and ensure all voices within the diaspora community are heard.

There has been some legislation introduced without the knowledge of most of the diaspora and we urged that legislation affecting Myanmar should be widely circulated for public review by the Myanmar diaspora, ensuring a thorough review by those on the ground in Myanmar. The democratic chair’s staff have been receptive.

Concerns about power-Sharing agreements: Recent rumors of U.S. officials meeting with Myanmar military leaders raise concerns about potential power-sharing agreements that legitimize the military’s role. We urge the U.S. to support a transition to a civilian-led government.

Recommendations for US Policy

To effectively support the Myanmar people’s struggle for democracy, we urge the U.S. government to:

Increase diplomatic pressure: Intensify efforts to pressure the military to stop violence against civilians.

Implement More Stringent Sanctions: Coordinate targeted sanctions against military officials and their economic networks.

Promote a democratic transition: Advocate for a clear roadmap to a civilian-led government, rejecting any power-sharing models that solidify military control.

Provide substantial humanitarian aid: Ensure humanitarian aid reaches those in need, including the nearly three million internally displaced persons (IDPs).

Promote a shift from ethno-nationalism to civic nationalism: Assist with education in democracy, governance, community resilience and federal coordination of all stakeholders, including the NUG and Ethnic Resistance Organizations (EROs).

Meeting with USAID: Increasing Transparency in Support for Myanmar

Recently, Myanmar activists in the U.S. met with USAID to discuss enhancing transparency and visibility regarding American aid to Myanmar. Despite substantial financial assistance since the 2021 military coup, visible impacts have been limited.

Key clarifications from USAID:

Aid distribution: The U.S. has been the largest donor to Myanmar, with $136 million USD in aid approved for 2023 and $121 million USD for 2024. Details of aid utilization are often withheld for security reasons.

Aid utilization: Aid covers various sectors, including agriculture, health, and education, across 300 out of 330 townships, but because the needs are so great, only a fraction of the needs could be met.

Support for NUG and EROs: USAID coordinates with the NUG and EROs as requested by the diaspora to ensure aid reaches its intended recipients.

Communication and technology: Efforts to improve communication channels are ongoing, despite challenges in deploying technologies such as Starlink satellite internet services.

Financial reports: USAID’s July 2024 Fact Sheet detailed $93,625,000 USD has already been distributed. This year $29,200,000 USD went through Implementing Partners for Economic Recovery and Market Systems, Health, Multipurpose Cash Assistance (MPCA), Nutrition, Protection, Shelter and Settlements, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH); Humanitarian Coordination, and Info Management and Assessments (HCIMA).

This is intended to go to Shan, Chin, Kachin, Karenni, Karen, Arakan and Mon states, as well as Bago, Magway, Mandalay, Sagaing, Tanintharyi, and Yangon regions.

Grant applications and local partnerships: Aid distribution relies on grant applications from CSOs. Regions like Sagaing and Magway see limited aid presence due to the current situation.

Lack of visibility: Visibility is limited due to the confidentiality required for the security of recipients and logistical channels.

The Myanmar diaspora requested a balance between security and visibility and timely and more effective aid distribution, especially to interior areas like Sagaing and Magway. Using alternate routes from the west using Chin State as a hub to reach Arakan, Sagaing and Magway was recommended.

Call to Action: Join us in building a democratic future for Myanmar

The Myanmar diaspora in the U.S. stands united in our commitment to a free and democratic Myanmar. We invite all members of the diaspora to join us in this crucial fight. Here’s how you can get involved:

Join a local advocacy group: Be the voice of Myanmar in your community.

Contact your Congressional representatives: Make your voice heard on Capitol Hill.

Stay informed: Follow credible news sources and share accurate information.

Together, through unified and strategic advocacy efforts, we can build a brighter future for Myanmar – a future based on democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.

James Shwe is a Myanmar democracy activist in the U.S. and is a member of the advocacy groups Free Myanmar and the Los Angeles Myanmar Movement. He has been trying to organize and motivate the Myanmar diaspora to advocate for democracy in Myanmar.

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