Fifteen countries stand in solidarity with victims of attacks by the Myanmar security forces and condemn attacks on places of worship.

Statement from the 15 countries signed up to the International Religious Freedom of Belief Alliance:

We stand in solidarity with the victims of human rights violations and abuses by the Myanmar security forces. People of all faiths and beliefs have come together to condemn the military’s actions since the 1 February 2021 coup.

Faith actors have played prominent roles in the anti-coup movement, including by supporting human rights defenders and vulnerable communities. As a result, some have been subjected to inhumane treatment by the military regime. We remember those who have been killed and call for the release of all those unjustly detained.

We echo the previous calls of Cardinal Charles Maung Bo to protect religious buildings, as well as hospitals, schools and other civilian structures during the ongoing violence. We condemn attacks on all those seeking refuge or protection. We condemn any violence against buildings that are at the very centres of communities, such as the Sacred Heart Church in Loikaw, Katkyaw Monastery in Bago, and Sule Mosque in Mandalay among others.

We condemn any attack on places of worship in Myanmar and support all who pursue peace and human rights in Myanmar. We commend the role of faith actors in responding to COVID-19 in Myanmar as well as civil society organisations who are working in challenging circumstances, and remember all those who have died as a result of the pandemic.

Co-signatories: Albania, Australia, Colombia, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Georgia, Kosovo, Latvia, Lithuania, Netherlands, Poland, Slovenia, US and the UK.

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