Washington, Dec 9 (NationPress) A group of nine Democratic senators has urged US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to take swift action against the escalating violence and human rights violations in Burma. They cautioned that the junta's upcoming “sham elections” and the deteriorating humanitarian situation pose a significant threat to regional stability and bolster China's strategic presence.

In a joint letter led by Senator Chris Van Hollen, the lawmakers expressed their deep concern over the persistent bloodshed and oppression in Burma, which has persisted far too long. They highlighted the “systematic persecution of ethnic and religious minorities, including Muslims, Christians, and other at-risk communities,” warning that the forthcoming elections will “further undermine Burma's democracy and the rule of law, while consolidating the junta's oppressive control.”

The senators called upon Rubio to “make it a priority to address the rising violence and human rights violations in Burma, denounce the junta's intended elections, and advocate for justice, accountability, and the safeguarding of basic human dignity.”

They argued that US leadership is crucial to “achieve stability in Southeast Asia and counter the negative influence of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) in the region.”

The letter outlines the severity of the crisis: by August 2025, civilian deaths had “exceeded 7,100,” with 3.6 million people displaced and 11.8 million facing severe food shortages. A March earthquake resulted in at least 3,800 fatalities and left 6.3 million in urgent need of assistance.

Despite indications of weakened control, the junta has intensified its attacks. In the six weeks following the earthquake, it conducted “at least 741 airstrikes—including targeting schools, resulting in the deaths of at least 22 children, and attacking churches during Palm Sunday—most of these occurring after a declared ‘ceasefire’ in early April.” On October 6, a military paramotor “bombed a peaceful candlelight vigil, killing at least 24 individuals, including children.” Currently, the junta controls “only 21 percent of Burma's territory.”

The senators cautioned that the junta's campaign has left minorities particularly at risk. “These violations call for a decisive US response grounded in moral leadership and strategic interest,” they stated.

They urged the administration to support international accountability initiatives, prioritize Burma diplomatically, including pressuring Beijing, fully implement the BURMA Act, restore aid, and reverse the decision to end Temporary Protected Status for nearly 4,000 Burmese nationals in the United States. Ending TPS, they asserted, is “at odds with our values.”

The senators warned that ongoing instability “creates further opportunities for increased PRC influence,” as Russia and China have supplied “almost $1 billion in armaments to the junta.” They concluded that the only feasible path forward is to “collaborate with regional partners to halt the violence and guide Burma towards inclusive governance and democracy.”