Church unable to turn a blind eye to repatriation of Myanmar nationals stranded in Malaysia

In the most recent encyclical Fratelli Tutti (On fraternity and social friendship), Pope Francis has reminded the Church that all of us are part of a larger human family and that our human fraternity "transcends the barriers of geography and distance." In a spirit of fraternal love, the Church cannot turn a blind eye to those in need and the vulnerable irrespective of who they are and where they come from, especially in times of crises. In this season of Lent, the sacrifices of fasting, prayer, and almsgiving which Lent call us to, must move us beyond individualistic Lenten practices towards cultivating a love and compassion for one another that excludes no one and is open to all. "Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly."

It has been recently reported in several local and international media sources that Malaysia is about to repatriate 1,200 Myanmar nationals from our shores, and amongst them are also refugees and asylum seekers. At a time of grave political uncertainty in Myanmar, our faith tells us that we cannot remain silent and be complicit to this action towards those who have fled due to a grave humanitarian crisis. Guaranteeing personal security to the most vulnerable refugees, migrants and asylum seekers must not only be governed by international laws but also by the "laws of humanity", which are grounded on mercy, compassion and love.