After last week’s crackdown on protesting students and monks, UN special envoy Ibrahim Gambari visited Myanmar and held talks with the military government this week.
It is thought that 400 students and 1,000 monks were arrested last week after the increasing demonstrations. Many monks were detained during night-time raids at monasteries. Protests have ceased for the moment and soldiers are still maintaining a heavy presence in the main towns.
During his four-day visit, Mr Gambari met twice with Aung San Suu Kyi, leader of the pro-democracy movement in Myanmar, who continues to be held under house arrest by the government.
Japan, which funds emergency health projects and training in Myanmar, has cut aid this week in protest at the government’s opening fire at protestors, and at the shooting dead of a Japanese journalist.
However, as other countries start to reduce aid too in protest against the military regime, the World Food Programme (WFP) has appealed for funding to provide for the quarter of a million people living in Myanmar. Many displaced border communities forcibly relocated from their homes rely on the WFP aid.
As well as communities suffering as a result of reported torture, displacement and forced labour, many children are at risk from the ruling authorities and often experience neglect and abuse. Tearfund is working with local partners to look at ways of reducing children’s vulnerabilities.
Working with communities, children are taught how to protect themselves against abuse and exploitation. Their vulnerability decreases as they learn about health and get involved in educational programmes and vocational training.
Please continue to pray for Myanmar and for the protestors still being held. Ask that they would be treated with dignity and would be released soon. Pray that the visit by the UN special envoy and his talks with the government might lead to a peaceful solution and dialogue.
Ask that the church in Myanmar would be strengthened and able to encourage communities in the midst of a restricted environment. Pray too for our partners and the local church whose work is being restricted because of imposed curfews and ask that they would get needed wisdom and protection in this difficult and complex situation.