In a letter to President Obama, CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad wrote: “I congratulate you on your recent re-election and look forward to the strengthening of our nation’s economy and security. A significant part of America’s strength is derived from our defence of human rights worldwide.
“I therefore respectfully request that you speak out clearly and forcefully in defence of the human rights and physical security of Rohingya Muslims during your upcoming visit to Myanmar.
“While we all welcome Myanmar’s recent move to democracy, our nation must not turn a blind eye to what is one of the worst examples of human rights violations in recent history.
“I urge you to make any upgrade in the status of Myanmar as a trading or political partner contingent on its government’s willingness to recognize the rights of Rohingya Muslims and to protect them and their property from harm.”
In August, CAIR sent letters to the governments of Myanmar and Bangladesh seeking protection for Rohingya Muslims who faced a renewed wave of ethnic and religious persecution.