Burma GAP Act

The Burma Genocide Accountability and Protection Act (Burma GAP Act) would authorize a comprehensive U.S. effort to protect Rohingya refugees and internally displaced Rohingya in Burma, support humanitarian relief in the region (including refugee camps in Bangladesh), and advance accountability for alleged genocide and crimes against humanity. The bill frames a policy that seeks to isolate the Burma military junta diplomatically and economically until civilian rule returns, while promoting durable solutions for Rohingya—such as citizenship restoration, inclusion in governance, and safe, voluntary repatriation when conditions are right. It also creates a pathway for a U.S. special representative for Burma (if no ambassador is in place) to coordinate international sanctions, diplomacy, humanitarian aid, and accountability efforts, and it sets up a formal reporting framework and funding to support these activities, including evidence-gathering and transitional-justice programs. The act places duties on the Secretary of State (often in coordination with the Special Representative) to protect Rohingya, expand access to international protection, document atrocities, support legal aid and accountability mechanisms, and promote memorialization and reform in Burma. It emphasizes collaboration with international partners and NGOs, strengthens regional coordination (notably with Bangladesh and surrounding countries), and requires annual reports to Congress on progress, challenges, and funding needs. Funding is authorized through 2030 for specific programs on investigations, documentation, and open-source evidence.