Calls for urgent action after Christmas Eve massacre in Myanmar

The site of the massacre. (Photo: Christian Solidarity Worldwide)

A Christian charity is calling on the international community to take urgent action after reports of at least 35 civilians being burnt alive in Myanmar on Christmas Eve.

Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) said the atrocity was carried out by the Tatmadaw - the Myanmar army - in Kayah State. 

The victims include elderly people and children. 

Their bodies were discovered by the Karenni Human Rights Group (KHRG) on Christmas Day. 

CSW has also received reports of people being used as human shields and landmines being placed around villages. 

The massacre is the latest in a string of violent attacks in Kayah State that have left over 600 homes, six churches and at least one clinic destroyed between May and December. 

Dr Sasa, spokesperson of the National Unity Government of Myanmar and Myanmar Special Envoy to the United Nations, condemned the recent killings in the "strongest possible terms". 

He said in a statement: "These acts clearly constitute the worst crimes against humanity and we expect that all peoples and governments the world over should condemn these acts.

"With the condemnation, however, should come a commitment that these criminals be brought to justice and held fully accountable for their actions."

Benedict Rogers, CSW's Senior Analyst for East Asia, is calling for a global arms embargo.

"As many of us celebrate Christmas, the Tatmadaw has continued to perpetrate egregious violations against the people of Myanmar, burning innocent civilians alive and killing and displacing hundreds more in targeted attacks on the country's ethnic and religious nationalities," he said.

"We call once again for urgent international action, and specifically for the swift and comprehensive imposition of a global arms embargo on the country as a means of pressuring the military regime to bring an end to these horrific atrocities."

News
Over 320,000 people sign petition opposing Macron's '21st century mark' on Notre-Dame
Over 320,000 people sign petition opposing Macron's '21st century mark' on Notre-Dame

Over 323,000 people have signed a petition in opposition to new stained-glass window designs for Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris.

Nicki Minaj says she has rekindled her relationship with God
Nicki Minaj says she has rekindled her relationship with God

Rapper Nicki Minaj opened up about her recently reignited relationship with God and what inspired her to speak out for persecuted Christians, suggesting that her rise in the music industry made it more challenging to maintain the spirituality of her youth. 

Legal action launched challenge to civil service participation in LGBT Pride events
Legal action launched challenge to civil service participation in LGBT Pride events

The Christian Institute has initiated legal proceedings against Keir Starmer in a bid to end civil service participation in controversial Pride marches. 

National Lottery Heritage Fund awards £7.3m to historic churches
National Lottery Heritage Fund awards £7.3m to historic churches

The National Lottery Heritage Fund has awarded more than £7.3 million to help maintain four historic churches.