Canada denounces persecution of Muslims in Myanmar

10 May 2015
Canada denounces persecution of Muslims in Myanmar
Ambassador Bennett with members of the Islamic Centre of Myanmar. Photo: Embassy of Canada to Burma - Myanmar/Facebook

Canada's religious freedom ambassador denounced the persecution of Muslims in Myanmar and urged Canadian businesses eager to find opportunities in that resource-rich country to respect human rights.
Ambassador Andrew Bennett said he also delivered his concerns about the well-document persecution of the Rohingya Muslim population directly to Myanmar government officials, including the country's foreign affairs minister on May 6.
"Now really is the moment for a more inclusive process that brings all religious and ethnic communities together so that they can contribute to the country's development," Bennett, who was on a lengthy trip to the south Asian country, told The Canadian Press in an interview from Yangon.
"There is prejudice that exists towards Muslims throughout the country. This is an ongoing challenge not only for Rohingya Muslims, but the situation facing them is particularly acute."
Myanmar has faced widespread criticism for its persecution of Rohingya Muslims.
Mr Bennett is Canada’s first Canadian ambassador for religious freedom.