In Myanmar s unresolved conflict, Christians remain in limbo
Catholic and Baptist organizations run hundreds of camps for ethnic communities displaced by fighting
Ethnic Chin people hold placards during a protest in Yangon in July 2019 asking for an end to conflict in Chin and Rakhine states between the Myanmar military and the Arakan Army. (Photo: AFP)
While the world had paid much attention to the Rohingya crisis in Rakhine state, conflict continues unabated in Myanmar’s western states where Christians bear the brunt.
Renewed fighting has been raging between Myanmar’s military, known as the Tatmadaw, and the Arakan Army, which is fighting for autonomy in Rakhine in a conflict that spilled over to neighboring Chin state in December 2018.
they reiterate a desire to expand people to people ties. between burma and the united states. and thirdly, they express concern regarding the treatment of chin christians in burma. now, i note that you re hosting this week the ministerial to advance religious freedom focused on combatting religious persecution and discrimination. as we appropriately address within that forum the rohingya crisis, i ask the department to also make clear to the burmese government that all religious minorities including christians should be respected. so, mr. secretary lrks the department of state work with my office to continue the efforts of rohingya and encourage the government to end any policies whatsoever that treat christians as second class citizens? yes, senator, we will.