On the first anniversary of a military coup in Myanmar, Church leaders have called on the UK government to use its diplomatic influence to prevent further loss of life and ensure that democracy is restored. The coup overthrew the elected government, with political leaders being arrested, and has led to a major humanitarian crisis.
Leaders from the United Reformed Church, Church of Scotland, Methodist Church of Great Britain, the Methodist Church in Ireland, Presbyterian Church in Ireland and the Baptist Union of Great Britain have jointly written to the Foreign Secretary, Liz Truss MP, to speak of their profound concern for civilians and call for a ceasefire.
Over the past 12 months there have been mass protests and armed resistance in the south-east Asian country, and claims that at least 1,500 people have been killed by security forces. Protestors calling for the restoration of the democratic government have been repelled with live fire, rubber bullets and water cannons.
The Presbyterian Church of Myanmar is a fellow member with the United Reformed Church of the Council for World Mission. It has around 30,000 members in 224 congregations located in a region close to the border with India.
Revd Clare Downing, Moderator of the URC General Assembly, is among the signatories of the letter, which states: “Throughout the past twelve months our church partners in Myanmar have reported to us the abuses and atrocities unleashed by the Min Aung Hlaing administration and Tatmadaw forces against their own people.
“The United Nations Officer for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) estimates that 320,000 people have been internally displaced by the conflict over the last year. Several million need humanitarian assistance and without a halt to the violence, the humanitarian need will continue to grow.”
The letter points out that the historical and cultural bonds between the UK and Myanmar are strong and argues the Foreign Office should therefore take a leading role in building an international diplomatic response. They have called for the release of elected Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi and other officials, journalists and political prisoners from custody, and for armed militias to agree to a ceasefire.
The Council of World Mission has also issued a call for solidarity and prayer: An Urgent Call for Prayers and Solidarity for the People in Myanmar – Council for World Mission (cwmission.org)
Read more about the background to the coup: Myanmar Coup – One Year Anniversary | Joint Public Issues Team
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