Joint statement at the UN on Burma by Cardinal Bo

NGO: Jubilee Campaign

Speaker: H.E. Cardinal Charles Bo

Title: Freedom of religion or belief in Myanmar

Date: March 2016

Thank you Mr President.

“Jubilee Campaign together with Christian Solidarity Worldwide thanks the Special Rapporteur for her report.

While significant and positive changes have taken place in Myanmar, grave violations of human rights continue to be perpetrated, in particular against religious and ethnic minorities.

We remain concerned for political prisoners jailed under Section 295 of Myanmar’s penal code, and for those who remain in detention or face detention because of their political activities, ethnicity or religion.

In particular, we raise the cases of the former information officer of the NLD, Htin Lin Oo, and the recent interfaith activists who have been sentenced to two years imprisonment with hard labour. These sentences send out a disturbing message and could discourage others from speaking up against religious hatred or intolerance.

Myanmar must release all prisoners of conscience, including political prisoners, and repeal all repressive laws that are being used to imprison political activists in the country.

We urge Myanmar to repeal the package of four laws aimed at the ‘protection of race and religion’. These laws have been opposed to by civil society in Myanmar, by the international community. They are a significant human rights concern. The legislation on religious conversions and interfaith marriage would legalise discrimination against religious and ethnic minorities, and against women.

In addition, Myanmar must take urgent action to protect religious minorities from further violence and ensure that the perpetrators of violence are brought to justice in accordance with the law. We urge Myanmar to encourage political and religious leaders from all communities to speak out against religious hatred and intolerance.

Mr President. After decades of repression we warmly welcome the changes that Myanmar has introduced. However, for reforms to be genuine and long-lasting, the respect for and protection of human rights for all people in Myanmar must be upheld and respected.

Thank you.”

You can watch H.E. Cardinal Bo’s statement – which appears at 01:36:00 – here: https://bit.ly/1RjL7Qd