HCON 211 RFS
Whereas a Department of Labor report in 2000 described the
human rights abuses of forced laborers, including beat-
ing, torture, starvation, and summary executions;
Whereas 
the 
worldwide 
scourge 
of 
heroin 
and
methamphetamines is significantly aggravated by large-
scale cultivation and production of these drugs in Burma;
Whereas the Drug Enforcement Agency has reported that
Burma is the world’s second largest producer of opium
and opiate-based drugs;
Whereas officials in Thailand have estimated that as many as
800 million tablets of methamphetamine will be smuggled
into their country this year, contributing to the growing
methamphetamine problem in Thailand;
Whereas there are as many as a million internally displaced
persons in Burma;
Whereas the SPDC has severely restricted Daw Aung San
Suu Kyi’s political activities;
Whereas in September 2000, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi was
placed under house arrest when she attempted to visit a
National League for Democracy party office on the out-
skirts of Rangoon, and again when she attempted to trav-
el by train to Mandalay;
Whereas Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has recently begun talks
with the SPDC which are welcomed by the international
community, although the slow pace of the talks reflects
on the SPDC’s sincerity to move toward national rec-
onciliation;
Whereas the SPDC has recently allowed the National League
for Democracy to open some political offices, and has re-
leased some political prisoners, although over 1,800 such
prisoners are believed to remain imprisoned;
HCON 211 RFS
Whereas with the exception of these positive developments the
SPDC has made little progress in improving human
rights conditions and restoring democracy to the country;
Whereas the SPDC has continued to restrict the political
power of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and the National
League for Democracy;
Whereas Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s struggle to assert the
rights of her people has spread beyond politics and into
popular culture, as evidenced by others championing her
cause, most notably the rock group U2 in their song
‘‘Walk On’’, which is banned in Burma; and
Whereas, in the face of oppression, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi
has remained an outspoken champion of democracy and
freedom: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate
concurring), That—
(1) the Congress commends and congratulates
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi on the 10th anniversary of
her receiving the Nobel Peace Prize, and recognizes
her remarkable contributions and tireless work to-
ward bringing peace and democracy to Burma;
(2) it is the sense of the Congress that the
President and Secretary of State should continue to
encourage the Government of Burma to restore basic
human rights to the Burmese people, to eliminate
the practice of human trafficking, to address the
manufacture of heroin and methamphetamines, to
continue the process of releasing political prisoners,
HCON 211 RFS
to recognize the results of the 1990 democratic elec-
tions, and to allow Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and the
National League for Democracy to enjoy unfettered
freedom of speech and freedom of movement; and
(3) it is the sense of the Congress that Daw
Aung San Suu Kyi should be invited to address a
joint meeting of the Congress at such time and
under such circumstances as will, in the judgment of
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, advance rather than en-
danger her continued ability to work within Burma
for the rights of the Burmese people.
Passed the House of Representatives November 14,
2001.
Attest:
JEFF TRANDAHL,
Clerk.