For years the Muslim minority group in Myanmar has faced persecution. But in August 2017, the country's military responded to a militant attack on its forces with mass killings, burning down villages, committing rape and torture, killing an estimated 10,000 Rohingya. More than 700,000 others escaped, many to neighboring Bangladesh. Yesterday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken formally declared that the 2017 violence against Rohingya was a genocide.
Is this a first?
It is for the US. Dozens of countries have sued the Southeast Asian country, bringing the case before the International Court of Justice. Now, the Biden admin has said the "widespread and systematic" attack against the Rohingya amounted to crimes against humanity. It's the eighth time the US has declared genocide since the Holocaust (including in Rwanda, Darfur, and most recently Armenia). It comes amid Russian President Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine. Blinken reminded the world that similar to Ukraine, the US also stands with people "suffering atrocities in other places."
What are people saying?
Myanmar has rejected the genocide accusations, reportedly dismissing what happened as a response to "terrorists" in the region. US lawmakers are calling the action "long overdue." Meanwhile, the US is planning to donate nearly $1 million to a UN investigating body that could lead to prosecutions. The declaration could also be used to support a lawsuit against Myanmar at The Hague. And some hope the move puts pressure on the Myanmar military.
theSkimm
The US isn't the first country to declare genocide in Myanmar. But it could create more international pressure and bring survivors one step closer to justice.
And Also...This
Who's on the hot bench…
Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson. Yesterday, the Supreme Court nominee vowed to defend the Constitution and rule on cases "from a neutral posture." Her remarks followed hours of opening statements from the Senate Judiciary Committee. Democrats praised her, including her judicial record and diverse perspective. While Republicans questioned her previous rulings on everything from child porn sentences to her time as a public defender. But both sides acknowledged the historic moment, with Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) saying "count me in on the idea of making the court more diverse." Next on the docket: two days of grilling from lawmakers. Especially after some Republican senators are promising to hold her feet to the fire.
PS: Here's your explainer on how the Supreme Court confirmation process works.
Where there's an update…
Indiana. Yesterday, Gov. Eric Holcomb (R-IN) vetoed a bill banning transgender girls from playing in female sports in schools. Earlier this month, Indiana's Republican-dominated legislature passed a bill that prohibited transgender girls in K-12 from playing on girls' sports teams. And argued that all of this was in the name of fairness. Turns out, the lawmakers apparently couldn't prove that transgender athletes outperform others. Now, Holcomb — who had shown support for the idea behind the bill — is going against his own party. He refused to sign the ban, questioning whether the bill solved any pressing issues. But Indiana lawmakers could override the veto.
What's taking on climate change…
The Securities and Exchange Commission. Yesterday, the SEC voted to propose regulations that would require publicly traded companies to report their greenhouse gas emissions. And how climate change exposure is affecting their business. It's the first time companies are facing mandatory disclosure rules. While all would need to report how much greenhouse gas emissions they emit, only larger companies would need to report how much they're indirectly responsible for (think: from suppliers and customers). It's not yet clear how many employees a company would need to have in order to meet the higher bar. Next up: the proposal goes to the public for comment.
What's being recognized…
Prolonged grief disorder. Last week, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) added it to the latest edition of their diagnostic manual. It comes as the world enters its third year of the pandemic and people are grappling with 6 million deaths globally. Here's advice from experts about how to acknowledge your grief and start to heal.
January 1 feels like a lifetime ago. And if you set resolutions or intentions for the new year, you miiiight be tempted to give up and try again in 2023. Temptation bundling can help you stay on track.
Here's how it works: Pair something you don't like doing with something you do. It's like getting an immediate reward for doing something you know you should cross off your list. And research shows it really works. If you've got health goals, Noom can help you stay on track too. It's a digital health platform powered by behavior change psych. Answer these questions to start your free trial. Ready, set, (keep) go(ing).
theSkimm Loyalty Program
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We launched our new Loyalty Program and you're on the invite list. Picture this: While reading the Daily Skimm with your AM coffee, watching our video with Mindy Kaling on your lunch break, and scanning product recs before dinner with friends, you'll be earning points. And then use those points for exclusive rewards. We may never be royals (sorry, Lorde), but we'll always be loyal. Get in on it.
Skimm Picks
Here are today's recs to help you live a smarter life…
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2. The answers to all your real estate Qs. From when the market could cool down to how much you actually need for a down payment. We tapped REALTORS® (aka members of the National Association of REALTORS®) for our new guide. Read up.*
3. A credit card that looks out for you.* Hold for applause. Apple Card comes with tools that can help you pay less interest.† And when you apply, you can see your credit limit and interest rate offer without impacting your credit score.†
4. A primer on employer-backed health benefits. Wondering what kind of costs you could be responsible for? Or what kind of mental health services are typically covered? We teamed up with Eden Health to help you make sense of your plan. Ready, set, read.*
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Skimm'rs
We like to celebrate the wins, big and small. Let us know how your friends, neighbors, coworkers (and yes, even you) are making career moves, checking off goals, or making an impact in the community.
Paving a path…Lynn P (NJ). She founded the Walk of Hope NJ to provide education, validation, resources and support to families using IVF to grow. Check it out here.
(Some) Birthdays…Dan Allen (NY), Monica Cincotta (NY), Michelle Lucero (NY), Julia Engelbrecht (NY), Chelsea Sterrett (CA), Jodie Kitain (NY), Charlene Short (CO), David Perlin (NY), Jill Everett (NC), Roni Ianniello (F), Britta Joy (MT), Rachel Lee (NJ), Catherine Rapp (TN), Marikit Tomlinson (TX), Jaeda Porter (CO), Laura Mungo (VA)
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Skimm More
Taking over your predecessor's legacy is no easy task — especially if it's been in place for 25 years. Just ask Radhika Jones, editor-in-chief at Vanity Fair. On "9 to 5ish," we talk to Jones about entering a new team environment, communicating your vision, and creating a legacy of your own. Check it out.
And if you're looking for other smart ways to spend your time…
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