The Asia Pacific Baptist Federation (APBF) is deeply saddened and strongly condemns the air
strike upon Naungcho township and Naung Lin Village in the Northern Shan state, by military
aircraft under the State Administrative Council (SAC) of the military regime in Myanmar. This
attack that occurred just hours after the devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake, that thus far has
claimed 2,886, injured 4,639 people and left 373 missing, is a flagrant violation of international
and humanitarian law, basic human rights and the sanctity of human life. We unequivocally
denounce this inhumane act as completely outrageous and unacceptable.

The APBF representing 65 member conventions across 22 Asia Pacific nations constituting over
40,000 local churches, is part of the Baptist World Alliance uniting over 47 million Baptists, in 126
nations worldwide. As a member of the Baptist World Alliance, the APBF stands for justice,
promotes peace, and respect for human dignity.

The SAC’s appeal for international humanitarian assistance while simultaneously carrying out air
strikes and attacks contradicts all norms of engagement and war. It is an outright dismissal of
humanitarian values and the very basis upon which donor nations provide this aid. It is imperative
that concrete steps be taken to hold those responsible for these atrocities accountable and to
ensure the human rights of the people of Myanmar are upheld and protected.

Despite a unilateral ceasefire declared by the rebels, the declaration of a temporary two-week
ceasefire during a mega disaster is merely tokenism. This clearly lacks the demonstration of
credible political will and intentionality to genuinely ease the immense suffering of Myanmar’s
people; already enduring untold hardship since the military takeover in Feb 2021.

We call upon Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, commander in chief of the military Junta, to
declare a ceasefire for as long as it is necessary as an expression of sincerity. And to halt all attacks
and airstrikes and uphold humanitarian principles and fundamental human rights.

We earnestly appeal to the international community and the United Nations to renew their efforts
in taking immediate and decisive action to restore democracy and ensuring humanitarian law is
respected in Myanmar. Pressure must be applied upon the SAC to desist from military action and
permit unhindered humanitarian assistance for as long as it is necessary to those affected.

We call upon nations with trade and diplomatic linkages with the SAC to exert renewed pressure
on the regime, ensuring that families and children of Myanmar can live in peace and security, free
from fear and oppression.

We stand in solidarity with the people of Myanmar during this difficult time and remain committed
to supporting them in their time of need as well as in their pursuit of justice, democracy, peace
and human rights.

We urge all our members and the global community to join in advocating against these atrocities
and in praying for the people of Myanmar as they seek an end to their suffering. We pray that
God will grant them strength and courage to persevere in their struggle for freedom and
democracy and the world may together seek to bring an end to their suffering.

3rd, April 2025
Asia Pacific Baptist Federation