Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Seoul (Agenzia Fides) - "Let's stop the killing of innocent civilians in Myanmar": is the title of the global action campaign promoted in the Asian continent by an interreligious network of which they are part: the Franciscan Family and the "Justice and Peace" Commission of the Friars Minor in Korea; the "Research Center for Promotion and Solidarity in Korea", of the Jesuit Fathers; "Korea's Buddhist Action for Myanmar"; "Asian Buddhist Coalition for Democracy and Justice".
According to information from Agenzia Fides, the interreligious network has sent a petition and an urgent appeal to the UN Security Council and its members - in particular to the United States and China - calling for a serious and immediate intervention in the Myanmar crisis, in order to stop the massacre of unarmed civilians that is taking place in the country and the evident violation of fundamental human rights by the army. The religious have organized peaceful protest sit-ins and prayer vigils in front of the Chinese and US embassies in South Korea and other similar initiatives in other Asian cities. "The UN Security Council must immediately pass a resolution on Myanmar. This petition urgently calls on the United States and China, the two most powerful countries, to take appropriate measures to stop the massacre carried out by the military junta in Myanmar" , reads the text of the petition sent by the Franciscan Family of Korea to Agenzia Fides. "We urge religious communities and civil organizations around the world to call for peaceful protest demonstrations and to hold times of prayer in front of embassies, consulates and other public buildings in China and the United States", it reads. Among the possible political and diplomatic initiatives of the international community, the Burmese population has placed hope in the recent summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) which, in conclusion, issued a five-point memorandum calling for: an immediate cessation of violence in Myanmar and that all parties exercise the utmost restraint; a constructive dialogue between all the parties involved to seek a peaceful solution in the interest of the population; the mediation of an envoy from the ASEAN Presidency, with the assistance of the Secretary-General; the guarantee of humanitarian assistance provided by the ASEAN Coordination Center; a visit by the special envoy and the ASEAN delegation to Myanmar to meet all interested parties. In Myanmar, disappointment is expressed at ASEAN's failure to convene the New Government of National Unity, created by civilian leaders in opposition to the military junta. The new executive asks for the recognition of international institutions as the real representative of the Burmese people. (PA) (Agenzia Fides, 29/4/2021)
