The prelate last week addressed the plenary session of the Australian Catholic Bishops' Conference (ACBC), highlighting his country’s multiple challenges, from earthquakes and healthcare to war and the economy. He bore witness to the devastation caused by the 2021 military coup while reiterating the strength of the local Catholic community. The US State Department acknowledges religious persecution.

Malaysian activists criticise what they describe as the country’s “selective” approach to humanitarian issues. Support for Muslims in the Middle East is counterbalanced by silence regarding violations committed in Myanmar and by China. The call to maintain “moral consistency” in the fight for causes and freedoms.

ASEAN continues to keep its distance from Myanmar’s military junta: at the summit in Cebu, Philippines, regional leaders demanded access to Aung San Suu Kyi and refused to officially recognise the elections that brought Min Aung Hlaing to power. Meanwhile, however, the humanitarian crisis in the country is worsening: millions of displaced people, widespread hunger and new army offensives against civilians in the Mandalay region.

The pro-democracy leader has no direct access to her family or lawyers, even after she was moved to a specially built residence. Myanmar’s opposition and human rights groups are calling it yet another sham operation by General Min Aung Hlaing to gain international legitimacy. In the new house, she reportedly met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi a few days ago during his visit to Myanmar.

New data released by Thailand shows that in some tributaries, arsenic concentrations caused by active mining operations exceed the limits set by guidelines. Civil society initiatives are calling for greater cooperation among the countries in the basin, as well as more concrete measures to halt the pollution.

The announcement yesterday evening after initial reports of a reduction in her sentence, comes immediately after Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s visit to Yangon. There is no indication of her whereabouts. Her lawyers – who have been unable to meet her for years – have asked to speak to her directly. Her son Kim Aris said: “The image released dates back to 2022; until we can communicate with her, I won’t believe a word of it.”