4 June 2021 -- London/Yangon -- Burma Human Rights Network is deeply concerned by recent raids on mosques by the Burmese junta. The raids occurred at Mohnhyin mosque and Butaryone Street Mosque in Mohnhyin city, Kachin State on June 3, 2021. During the raid, a custodian of the mosque was arbitrarily detained. Similarly, a Catholic church in Kantharyar Loikaw City, Kayeh State was shot at on 24 May as civilians sought refuge there. Three women and one man were killed in the incident. Prior to this, an ethnic Karen Church was destroyed on 23 May by the military and police in Insein Township. Three people, including a pastor and a disabled person, were beaten and detained.
“Places of worship are sacred, and it is abhorrent that the Burmese military would attack them and the worshippers they house. The raids on the mosques also make them targets for nationalists to harass and attack. The deaths of innocent civilians must be condemned by the international community. Christians and Muslims around the world should understand that in Burma they face the common enemy of ultranationalism and a junta hellbent on inflicting suffering on innocent people. It is also vital that we understand that these atrocious attacks may only be the beginning of the military’s next campaign to kill, torture, and rape religious minorities,” said BHRN’s Executive Director Kyaw Win.
BHRN calls on the international community to enforce a global arms embargo against the Burmese military and to sanction all of their business interests. The most powerful nations of the world must highlight the ongoing plight of religious minorities and argue in their defense against those nations who would side with tyranny. ASEAN nations must reverse their stance on Burma and support an arms embargo on the country and end any recognition of the military dictatorship. All of Burma’s ongoing crimes must be monitored and documented by the legal organs of the United Nations and prosecuted in addition to the current cases against them. The international community must recognize the National Unity Government as the legitimate government of the Burmese people and ensure that they can reclaim the power that was stolen from the people by the military coup.
Organisation’s Background
BHRN is based in London and operates across Burma/Myanmar working for human rights, minority rights and religious freedom in the country. BHRN has played a crucial role in advocating for human rights and religious freedom with politicians and world leaders.
Media Enquiries
Please contact:
Kyaw Win
Executive Director
Burma Human Rights Network (BHRN)
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T: +44(0) 740 345 2378
BHRN's Press Release PDF
