More than 120 Church workers gathered for a two-day safeguarding course in Yangon, learning practical steps to protect children and vulnerable adults in a country where conflict has increased risks.

The Pontifical Mission Societies of the Archdiocese of Yangon organized the program on March 5–6 at the Archbishop’s House compound. A total of 125 participants attended, including three priests, 27 religious sisters, and 92 lay faithful.

Bishops Emphasize Responsibility

Auxiliary Bishop Noel Saw Naw Aye opened the session by stressing who bears responsibility for child protection.

“When issues concerning the protection of children arise within a diocese or archdiocese, the bishop or archbishop bears the primary responsibility,” he said.

He added that at the parish level, the parish priest is most responsible. Parents, religious sisters, catechists, and caregivers must cooperate with parish priests, he said.

Bishop John Saw Yaw Han of Kengtung Diocese delivered the main lectures. He explained roles and responsibilities, prevention measures, codes of conduct, and reporting procedures. He also covered investigation processes, confidentiality, assistance to victims, and Canon Law provisions.

Fr. Andrew Aung Kyaw Oo, a canonist of the archdiocese, answered participants’ questions about practical challenges in child protection.

Cardinal: Safeguarding Is Gospel Mandate

On the second day, His Eminence Cardinal Charles Maung Bo of Yangon Archdiocese delivered a special address. He stressed that safeguarding is not only a legal obligation but a moral, spiritual, and pastoral mission.

Children and vulnerable persons are precious gifts entrusted to families and the Church, he said.

The cardinal quoted Jesus from the Gospel: “Let the little children come to me… for the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these” (Matthew 19:14). He also cited the warning that anyone who causes a child to stumble faces grave consequences (Matthew 18:6).

Cardinal Bo explained that a minor is any person under 18. A vulnerable adult is someone unable to protect themselves due to age, illness, disability, psychological weakness, poverty, or social dependence.

Conflict Increases Vulnerability

The cardinal noted that vulnerability has become widespread in Myanmar due to ongoing conflict, displacement, poverty, and family separation.

Many children living in refugee or IDP camps are particularly at risk. Dangers include abuse, trafficking, exploitation, and neglect.

He outlined forms of abuse that must be prevented: physical abuse, emotional or psychological abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect.

Conflict and instability have displaced many children and separated families. This increases risks such as human trafficking, child labor, recruitment into armed groups, and sexual exploitation.

For this reason, the cardinal urged the Church to become a safe refuge where children and vulnerable persons can find protection and healing.

Practical Steps Forward

Cardinal Bo presented practical steps for safeguarding. These include implementing safe environment policies in parishes and Church institutions. They also include providing formation and training for clergy and Church workers, maintaining appropriate boundaries with minors, and ensuring allegations are listened to with compassion and reported properly.

He emphasized that safeguarding is the responsibility of the entire Church community—parents, catechists, teachers, youth leaders, parish councils, and volunteers.

“The Church must be a place where victims find healing, dignity, and hope,” he said.

In conclusion, Cardinal Bo urged all participants to commit themselves to protecting every child and defending the dignity of vulnerable people.

“May God help us to create a Church where every child is safe, every person is respected, and every community reflects the love of Christ,” he said.

By RVA Sgaw Karen