Dear Friend,
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Please raise your voice for the people of Myanmar. On February 1, military leaders in the small Asian country orchestrated a coup, arresting Noble laureate Aung San Suu Kyi and other elected officials, after the pro-democracy party won the vast majority of seats in parliament in the November election.
Take action: Ask President Biden to increase targeted sanctions on military officials in Myanmar.
We call on President Biden to do all he can to keep democracy alive in Myanmar, to move the military leaders to stop the violence, release detained political leaders, and return to dialogue with the government to resolve concerns over fraud in the recent elections.
Since the coup, tens of thousands of people, including Catholics across the 16 dioceses, have taken to the streets throughout the country. Many government workers are on strike, refusing to cooperate with the military and demanding that democracy be restored. In response, the military has ordered social media and internet blackouts and used violence against peaceful demonstrators, with reports of at least two deaths.
On Feb. 21, the Catholic Bishops Conference of Myanmar issued a statement directed “specifically to those in power,” pleading for restraint in the streets and a return to dialogue.
“Just a month ago, this nation held in her heart a great promise: dreams of enhanced peace and robust democracy. Despite the onslaught of global pandemic, the nation held an election. The world admired our capacity for managing our differences. Today the world weeps with us, shattered by the fragmentation of this nation once again. Our youth deserve better.”
Please ask President Biden to increase targeted sanctions on military officials in Myanmar.
Thank you.
In solidarity,
Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns