After seven years of Burma opening up, the country’s fragile new democracy is still at risk of failing those who need it the most. The situation for the Kachin, Shan and Rohingya people is still dire, with renewed fighting threatening thousands of people and forcing them from their homes.
More fighting between the Burma Army and the Kachin Independence Army has led to the displacement of 4,000 civilians since early 2018. The UN International Fact-Finding Mission has accused the Burmese military of genocide against the Rohingya and crimes against humanity against the Kachin and Shan, and called for a referral to the International Criminal Court. Pray that the international community would intervene to halt this desperate situation, and soon.
The Shan people are similarly under attack from the Burma Army and are also experiencing a terrible human cost, as well as being displaced from their homes. Please pray for their protection and a swift end to the violence.
In addition to the fresh waves of violence against the Kachin and Shan people, the Rohingya are still suffering. Hundreds of thousands have fled across the border to Bangladesh and hundreds have been killed by the Burma Army. Survivors report widespread, systematic and horrific violations of human rights, including the killing of children. Pray for God’s protection over the Rohingya and for an end to the terrible violence against them.
‘LORD, be gracious to us; we long for you. Be our strength every morning, our salvation in time of distress.’ (Isaiah 33:2). Pray this verse over Burma today.
Above all, the Burmese government needs to recognise that this growing religious intolerance and culture of impunity must be addressed urgently. Change cannot happen unless the government acts with wisdom, grace and justice. Pray for God to move in the hearts of Aung San Suu Kyi and her ministers to take concrete steps to end hate speech, violence and abuses of religious minorities.
Next week, on 11-21 November, CSW will be hosting a delegation of Kachin and Shan activists as they visit the UK and Brussels. It’s an amazing opportunity for them to meet policy makers, MPs and MEPs, and magnify their voices in speaking for change in Burma. Pray that God would bless this visit and give us many opportunities to talk about human rights in Burma.
Lord, we cry out to you for Burma today. So many people are suffering: we lift the Kachin, Shan and Rohingya people especially to you today and humbly beg that you provide for them: shelter them under your wings, O Lord, and provide all that they need. Amen.
