November 16 - 30 , 2017 PHILIPPINE ASIAN NEWS TODAY 25
Pope in Burma : Peace requires justice , respect for human rights
In a major speech in Burma , Pope Francis told the nation ’ s leaders to leave conflict behind and work for peace by promoting justice and respect for the rights of all citizens , regardless of religion or ethnicity .
“ The arduous process of peace-building and national reconciliation can only advance through a commitment to justice and respect for human rights ,” the Pope told Burmese civil authorities Nov . 28 .
Speaking from the capital of Naypyitaw on the first full day of a six-day visit to Burma and Bangladesh , Francis noted how justice is historically understood as “ a steadfast will to give each person his due ,” and is often viewed as “ the basis of all true and lasting peace .”
This understanding is what , after the experience of two world wars , led to the formation of the United Nations and their subsequent declaration on human rights as the foundation for global efforts to promote justice , peace and human development , and to resolve conflict through dialogue , “ not the use of force .”
With a past marred by internal conflict and a present filled with ongoing political tensions , Pope Francis said the future of Burma “ must be peace .” This peace , he said , must be “ based on respect for the dignity and rights of each member of society ,” as well as respect “ for each ethnic group and its identity .”
It must also be founded on a keen respect “ for the rule of law , and respect for a democratic order that enables each individual and every group – none excluded – to offer its legitimate contribution to the common good .”
Pope Francis landed in Yangon Nov . 27 for the first phase of his third tour of Asia , which will take him to both Burma – also called Myanmar – and Bangladesh . He will be in Burma Nov . 27-30 , and will visit two cities before moving on to Dhaka , Bangladesh , where he will stay Nov . 30- Dec . 2 .
His visit to Burma , in particular , is significant not only because the country has a small Christian minority , but also due to a contentious political situation that has roots in both a recent regime change and an ongoing crisis over their minority Rohingya Muslim population .
Francis ’ visit comes amid a spike in statesupported violence against the Rohingya , the largely Muslim ethnic group who reside in Burma ’ s Rakhine State . The staggering scope of the crisis has prompted the U . N . to declare the situation “ a textbook example of ethnic cleansing .”
The
Burmese government refuses to recognize the Rohingya , and considers them illegal immigrants from Bangladesh . They have been denied citizenship since Burma gained independence in 1948 .
Facing heightened persecution in their home country , many Rohingya have fled to neighboring Bangladesh , with millions camping along the border as refugees . More than 600,000 Rohingya have fled Burma for Bangladesh in the past few months alone .
The Pope ’ s visit also falls as Burmese officials continue to work out a recent transition to democracy after more than 50 years of military dictatorship , which began to come unhinged as democratic reforms started taking root in 2011 .
Religious differences in Burma , a majority Buddhist country , “ need not be a source of division and distrust , but rather a force for unity , forgiveness , tolerance and wise nation-building ,” he said , adding that religions can play an important role in healing the emotional , spiritual and psychological wounds of years of unrest .
“ They can help to uproot the causes of conflict , build bridges of dialogue , seek justice and be a prophetic voice for all who suffer ,” he said , and pointed to current joint efforts among religions to work together in peace efforts through education , assistance to the poor and in promoting human values .
Future generations must also be guaranteed that the natural environment and beauty Burma enjoys is “ unspoilt by human greed and depredation ,” he said , and stressed the importance of not allowing youth to be “ robbed of hope and of the chance to employ their idealism and talents in shaping the future of their country and , indeed , our entire human family .”
P o p e F r a n c i s closed his s p e e c h encouraging f e l l o w Catholics in the country to persevere in faith and to continue spreading a message of
“ reconciliation and brotherhood ” through both charitable and humanitarian works .
“ It is my hope that , in respectful cooperation with the followers of other religions , and all men and women of good will , they will help to open a new era of concord and progress for the people of this beloved nation ,” he said .
Thanking his audience for their attention and service to the common good , he said “ long live Myanmar !” and asked God to bless its leaders with “ wisdom , strength and peace .”
In a speech to Pope Francis , Aung San Suu Kyi told the Pope that “ you bring us strength and hope in your understanding of our need , our longing , for peace , national reconciliation and social harmony .”
She said his words on justice resonate , and serve as a “ reminder that in our quest for peace we must be guided by the wisdom and
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Pope Francis addresses authorities in Burma Nov . 28 , 2017 . Credit : Ed Pentin / CNA .
aspirations of our fathers .”
Burma currently faces various challenges , Aung San Suu Kyi said , noting how the country is made up of people from various ethnic and religious backgrounds .( Elise Harris , CNA )