YANGON (UCAN): The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Myanmar [CBCM] has appealed for humanitarian assistance for the thousands of displaced people in the conflict-stricken nation.
“As the CBCM stands for justice, peace, reconciliation, it strongly demands all concerned to facilitate humanitarian access to suffering and internally displaced people in order to provide them the basic humanitarian assistance,” the bishops said in a joint letter released on January 14.
Conference president, Charles Cardinal Bo; general secretary, Bishop John Saw Yaw Han, and 16 other bishops were among those who signed the joint statement at the general assembly held in Yangon from January 11 to 14.
“Human dignity and the right to life can never be compromised,” the bishops said, adding that “we strongly demand respect for life, respect for the sanctity of sanctuary in places of worship, hospitals, and schools.”
The appeal came with fighting further intensifying between junta forces and ethnic armed groups along with recently emerged people’s defense forces in recent weeks.
The junta has unleashed airstrikes and artillery shelling, forcing thousands of people including women, children, the elderly and the infirm to flee their homes to seek refuge in nearby jungles or churches in neighbouring villages and towns.
Churches and other community institutions in predominantly Christian Kayah, Chin and Karen states are being deliberately targeted by junta forces. The latest incident, a church in Loikaw was hit by an airstrike.
The bishops expressed deep concern over the worsening situation in the country, especially the well-being of innocent people in the conflict areas regardless of race and religion.
They expressed appreciation for all the priests, religious and catechists who were providing pastoral accompaniment and sacramental support to the needy despite great dangers to their own lives.
“We are inspired by the fellowship of all our Myanmar people, who compassionately welcomed the fleeing people, housed them and fed them,” the bishops said.
“This nation will be healed by such gestures,” they added, appealing to all Catholics to promote peace through intense prayers.
