Lawrence Jangma Gam

The prelate last week addressed the plenary session of the Australian Catholic Bishops' Conference (ACBC), highlighting his country’s multiple challenges, from earthquakes and healthcare to war and the economy. He bore witness to the devastation caused by the 2021 military coup while reiterating the strength of the local Catholic community. The US State Department acknowledges religious persecution.

After more than 40 years in camps, thousands of refugees see the prospect of long-awaited change. Karen refugee: ‘I have never seen my homeland’ and ‘if Thailand allowed us to work legally, everything would change’. A workforce that could also help fill the gap left by Cambodians following clashes on the border. New air raids by the junta in Shan State.

The Nug has handed down a 20-year prison sentence to members of the group responsible for the murder in Sagaing. The priest was killed in a targeted and premeditated attack. AsiaNews source: the sentence is positive, but "we do not see transparency in the case. We hope that the resistance will not behave like the oppressor."

Many Rohingya did not leave Myanmar for Bangladesh. Several aid programmes are being implemented in Rakhine after Myanmar and the UN struck a deal promoting integration and reconciliation between the various communities. For one humanitarian worker, “seeing these initial improvements is encouraging.”

"Although Myanmar’s constitution permits freedom of religion, many Myanmar people see the country as Buddhist and tend to worry about the influence of non-Buddhist religions, mainly Islam." Minorities “were promised autonomy and self-determination in their own regions. So, when this promise was broken, many ethnic groups took up arms against the central government”.

The government relies on the Independent Commission of Inquiry (ICoE) to respond to "false accusations made by UN agencies and other international communities". Aung San Suu Kyi's party spokesman points the finger at "a plan to support the territorial claims and autonomous aspirations of the Bengali [the Rohingya]". "We cannot believe that out of 700 thousand, none of the refugees wants to return to Myanmar".

The community finds strength and inspiration in the teachings of the Church and the recent visit of Pope Francis to the country has given new impetus to the work of evangelisation. Religious persecution follows Kachins in Yangon. Fighting "has destroyed the hopes and dreams of young people in the northern state of Shan”.

Government Advisory Commission on implementation of Kofi Annan's recommendations issues final report. The Independent Commission of Inquiry (ICoE) commissioned by Aung San Suu Kyi begins the investigation into the violence. Progress in relations between Myanmar and Bangladesh: the Foreign Minister of Dhaka visits the refugee and transit centers built for refugees.

Listed as a Tier-3 country, Myanmar can be denied aid. Washington accuses the Asian nation of hindering UN measures to fight human trafficking. According to the US State Department, Burmese officials are involved in prostitution and exploitation of people. Child soldiers remain a major issue.

The initiative will bring energy to around 10 thousand families in the Chin State and in the autonomous area of ​​Naga. The agreement provides for a grace period of 18 years; starting from the fiscal year 2036-2037, every year the Burmese authorities will return 3 million euros.

The water level in the Bilin, Salween, Sittaung and Bago rivers is above security levels due to heavy rains. Residents in the three most-affected states are asking for immediate aid. Water has also reached monasteries located on higher grounds.

The soldiers captured a vehicle for the transportation of medicines and seized medical personnel. After days of violence and torture, the women were killed and thrown into a mass grave. The regular army defends itself: "Killed in action and buried in a respectful manner". The League of Burmese women: "Lies, you have violated the Geneva Convention".