Francis Khoo Thwe

The committee passed a toned down annual resolution on the Asian nation. In it, the UN body expressed hope that political prisoners would be released "by the end of the year," and that the rights of the country's Rohingya Muslim minority would be respected. However, a Myanmar rights groups slams ongoing convictions for crimes of opinion, noting that detainee release is "unlikely".

Myanmar's current president will not seek a second mandate and will leave active politics, Lower House Speaker Shwe Mann said in announcing his decision to replace him, likely against opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi. However, the constitution will have to be amended if the Nobel Prize laureate wants run for the highest office. Meanwhile, reforms are "very slow".

Archbishop Bo describes World Mission Day, celebrated on 20 October, as the "source of grace" for Burmese Catholics and the world. The prelate recalls the work of missionaries in Myanmar and emphasizes that today it is the task of "young Churches" to go out in the world. Pope Francis and Mother Teresa current and modern witnesses of evangelization.

This is what an interfaith conference on peace held in Yangon said in its final statement. Leaders from five major religions call for better education to strengthen "national identity" in a multi-religious setting, and the recognition of the "need for frequent discussion [. . .] among the leaders of different faiths in a spirit of mutual respect".

Mons. Charles Bo spoke at the peace conference that was held on October 1 and 2 in the Burmese capital. Buddhist, Hindu, Christian, Muslim and Jewish leaders were present. The prelate praised "unity in diversity" and invited attendees to build a future of prosperity. More confessional violence in Rakhine State, five victims among the Muslims.

By the end of October, the Burmese government plans to sign a joint nationwide agreement. Talks next week with Kachin leaders crucial. Meanwhile, skirmishes continue between military and militias. Violence and police abuses against the civilian population .

The number of displaced people in this northern state remains high as the Burmese military and the local ethnic minority continue to fight each other. Local dioceses are helping thousands of people with basic necessities and children's education. Fighting has now reached the Shwe Gas Pipeline.

Only 15 neurologists and 12 neurosurgeons throughout Myanmar. Rapid spread of epidemics, with 9 thousand new cases per year of drug resistant TB. Therapies and vaccines ineffective because they are badly stored given frequent energy blackouts. Some examples that illustrate one of the worst countries in the world in terms of health care.

Today Myanmar commemorates the silver jubilee of "Generation 88", the symbol of the opposition movement against the military. One of the leaders, Min Ko Naing, calls for "justice and reconciliation", without losing the truth. He asks for a solution to the "ethnic" problem. But the drama of the dead and suffering of the families still alive.

Volunteers of New Humanity and the Canadian Scalabrini Fathers promote a five point project. The goal is to improve schools and agricultural services, training in farming and irrigation, to ensure greater autonomy and expertise to farmers. The development of rural areas, which is essential for the growth of Myanmar.

In a ceremony in memory of the victims of the prison of Great Coco Island, the former political prisoner Hla Nyo denounces “no real change in the country." He criticizes the president who talks about democracy, while continuing "detentions" and abuse. Ne Win, co-founder of the NLD, who spent more than 20 years in prison: "With the military in power, opponents still tortured in prison."

Founded in 2006 by volunteers from New Humanity, a Catholic NGO, in cooperation with the Myanmar Ministry of Social Affairs, the disable resource centre offers health care, educational and pre-vocational training to 63 children. Minn Aung, 10, is one of them. Now he is beginning to walk and talk.