Around the world: Latest news updates

Myanmar/Burma

Since the army seized power in February, Myanmar’s humanitarian crisis has worsened dramatically. On 24 May, four civilians were killed and eight more were injured in an attack by the Myanmar army on a Catholic church in Kayah State. It has since been estimated that 70,000 civilians have been displaced across Kayah state and its borders alone.

On 18 June the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution condemning the army’s use of lethal force. This was a welcome development, but the crisis is not over yet, and we continue to call for a global arms embargo against the military.

EU

On 5 May the European Union appointed Christos Stylianides as the new Special Envoy for the promotion of freedom of religion or belief outside the EU. The role is an important tool in the EU’s diplomatic arsenal, which involves making regular country visits to engage with governments on how they can best uphold and promote the right to freedom of religion or belief.

Historically, the Special Envoy has also spoken out on behalf of individuals who have faced violations of this right, such as Asia Bibi, who spent years on death row in Pakistan on unfounded charges of blasphemy. We look forward to working with Mr Stylianides in his new role.

埃及

Nabil Habashi Salama, a 62-year-old Coptic Christian, was killed by Islamic State terrorists on 18 April. A video clip of Mr Salama’s execution was released on IS media, warning Christians that they will be targeted for supporting the Egyptian army and state.

Christians in Egypt continue to face discrimination, as churches and church buildings require government approval under a law which does not apply to mosques. However, in a positive development, 76 churches were legalised in April, bringing the total up to 1,958.