16th July 2026

According to the United Nations more than 500 people are feared dead following two large shipwrecks off Myanmar since late June.  One boat, which is understood to have been carrying about 250 people, lost contact shortly after departure from Myanmar.  A second boat, reportedly carrying about 280 people, is meanwhile believed to have sunk off Myanmar’s Ayeyarwady coast on 8 July. According to UNHCR, nearly 900 Rohingya refugees were reported missing or dead at sea in the northern Indian Ocean last year alone – out of more than 6,500 who had attempted such perilous sea crossings.  Today’s statement stressed that the latest reported tragedies “underscore the devastating impact of protracted conflict and displacement, as well as the continued lack of sustainable solutions for Rohingya communities”. The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and UNHCR called for “enhanced search and rescue efforts, access to asylum and protection, and actions against smuggling and trafficking networks”.  The agencies applauded Bangladesh for its “remarkable generosity in hosting Rohingya refugees for many years.”  They also emphasised the need for “sustained international support” for the refugees and host communities, and “greater efforts to address the underlying drivers of forced displacement”.

Loving God, we ask your blessing and care for all who are living under oppressive regimes, particularly where life is so challenging people flee to neighbouring countries at risk to their lives. We particularly ask your protection for our Rohingya neighbours and thank you for the protection afforded them in Bangladesh. We pray for an end to the oppressive regime in Myanmar that displaces so many and results in death and sorrow. Help us to love our neighbour, even our enemies. Help us to find ways to live in unity together. Strengthen the work of the international community to support the Rohingya and bring change and transformation within Myanmar. In the name of Jesus we pray.  Amen.  

Pupils at The Compass School in Haddington, near Edinburgh, took part in a sponsored swimming event as part of their weekly lessons at the Aubigny Centre, and raised £5,695 for WaterAid. Older pupils challenged themselves to swim as many lengths or widths as possible within a set time, while younger children enjoyed a fun obstacle course. Headteacher, Mark Becher, said: "We have been absolutely delighted by the support that has been provided for this initiative."  He added, "Our Pupil Council were aware of the work of the charity from a previous fundraising initiative and felt it so important to help other children and their families across the world who do not currently have access to clean water or adequate sanitation facilities.  We have been overwhelmed by the response of the children and all who supported them and everyone is delighted to be able to make a real difference to the lives of other people who do not have the easy access to water as we do here in Scotland."  The fundraising effort forms part of the school’s commitment to global citizenship as a UN Gold Rights Respecting School, with pupils engaged in projects each year aimed at “Making The World A Better Place”. 

Immortal God, I give you praise and glory.

Your ways are full of truth, mercy and grace.

You created the earth, the sky, the sea

and put the sun, moon and stars in the heavens,

creating day and night.

You filled the earth with teaming life.

I give you praise and glory

for you sent your Son

to redeem us from our sinfulness,

releasing us from guilt and the darkness of death.

I give you praise and glory

for you guide my feet

and lead me to that place

your Son has gone to prepare

for all your faithful people.

Immortal God, I thank you and adore you

that you care so much for me,

and I wonder at your awesome majesty.

Amen