| Christian Solidarity World Wide |
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Burma, also known as Myanmar, is ruled by a military junta which suppresses almost all dissent and wields absolute power in the face of international condemnation and sanctions. Last September, Burma was the scene of some of the largest protests in two decades against the country’s military regime, with peaceful protesters violently repressed by soldiers. Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) is a human rights organization, based in Great Britain, which specializes in religious freedom, works on behalf of those persecuted for their Christian beliefs and promotes religious liberty for all. In a recent statement, CSW assured the people of Burma of its ‘moral support for them in their desire and demand for a democratic government’. The September protests were spearheaded by unarmed Buddhist monks. Their aim was to promote the democratic process in the country. CSW’s Chief Executive, Mervyn Thomas, said: ‘We have been campaigning for tough targeted sanctions, aimed directly at the regime and its Generals, for many years. ‘Finally, the EU has sent a strong message to the regime that if it does not enter into meaningful dialogue with the democracy movement and the ethnic nationalities, further tough targeted sanctions will be introduced. This is a great message of encouragement to the people of Burma who have so bravely been struggling for their basic human rights for so long.’ James Mawdsley, originally from Lancashire, came to the attention of the world in 2001 by highlighting the repressive regime in Burma which has imprisoned him three times. He was tortured, beaten and endured solitary confinement but unlike other Burmese, when he was released ‘The Crucifixion makes sense of suffering .’ 
‘The Crucifixion makes sense of suffering .’ 
he could come back home and freely speak out. In an article published in The Telegraph last September he described how unexpected people helped him in prison. A guard crept into his cell at midnight to apologise for his country’s treatment of James. He was encouraged by the knowledge that the BBC had broadcast his plight. ‘The regime could not make me disappear without the world realising it.’ But the greatest help came from Christ. ‘The Crucifixion makes sense of suffering. Jesus turned my misery into joy, even in that unearthly hell.’ Since his return to Britain, James has written a powerful book called The Heart Must Break - The Fight for Democracy and Truth in Burma. He has worked with Christian Solidarity Worldwide and has set up the Metta Trust for Children’s Education charity - more info. at www.mtce.org picture |
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