The Council of Churches of Malaysia (CCM) joins the growing voices of the worldwide church in expressing its concern over the worsening situation of the Rohingya people in Myanmar.

Experiencing years of persecution, the recent turn of events have caused an estimated half a million Rohingya to flee their homes into Bangladesh amid a spate of organised attacks on villages. Thousands have lost their lives and those who have survived the ordeal, especially women and children, find themselves displaced and traumatised, fearing for their lives.

As churches, we recognise and affirm every human person as precious in the sight of God the creator, whose right to life and security must be protected and defended at all times.

It is the duty of the government to provide security and safety for all its citizens, especially those who are targeted and persecuted because of their race and religion.

We are also committed by our Christian conviction to lift up the voice of the voiceless and stand alongside persecuted people who are at the margins of society.

In view of the deteriorating humanitarian crisis faced by the Rohingya people who have been displaced and become refugees, the CCM makes an appeal to the churches in our country to hold the plight of the Rohingya people in their prayers, and to contribute generously to a fund to assist in the much needed humanitarian aid carried out by church agencies in cooperation with other international agencies and local churches.

The CCM supports every attempt by the government of Malaysia, working in cooperation with the United Nations, and the government of Myanmar, to protect, defend and restore the security of those displaced and ensure their eventual safe return in conditions of dignity and peace.

Authorities should also grant full and unrestricted access to international relief organisations so that they can provide the much needed humanitarian relief to the communities affected.