Young Australians call for end to injustice and bloodshed

The Australian Catholic Students Association (“ACSA”) calls for prayers, and further echoes Pope Benedict’s appeal for peaceful solution to the present crisis in Burma.  With the crackdown by Burmese authorities resulting in dozens of deaths and thousands of arrests, ACSA urges Burma’s military rulers to end its suppression of peaceful protests which have been primarily led by Buddhist monks.

Patrick Giam, ACSA’s Publications Manager, noted that “Burma is a country in great poverty, led by a brutal and corrupt regime. All human beings should have the right to freedom of expression, without being persecuted for their peaceful actions.”

In addition, ACSA recognises not only the fundamental human right to religious freedom,

but also the right for religious people to be involved in the political process. “It is particularly distressing that Buddhist monks have been assaulted, killed and imprisoned for their role in the protests,” Mr Giam said. “Belief in a higher authority is the only guarantee of true freedom from the unconstrained power of government.”

ACSA is inviting all Australian Catholic Youth to pray for those now incarcerated for having expressed their views, and to especially remember in their prayers those who were murdered during the crackdown.

ACSA also calls upon the Australian Government and the international community to exert strong pressure on the Burmese authorities, and urges all Australians to join the global movement working for human rights and democracy in Burma.

ACSA Media Representative Claire Anthony said “the Burmese people are risking their lives for freedom and democracy, something that we take for granted in Australia. “We must join the fight to help these people obtain freedom and stop the injustice of these recent events.”

For further information or comment

Australian Catholic Students Association

Patrick Giam 0401 206 324

Claire Anthony 0401 559 765

MEDIA RELEASE

8 October 2007

MEDIA RELEASE

http://www.catholicstudents.org.au/