"Statement from the Ministry of Justice on the Christmas Eve Massacre We are shocked and appalled by the latest act of barbarism by Myanmar’s terrorist military. On Christmas Eve in Kayah (Karenni) State, they killed at least thirty-five unarmed civilians, including children, burning the bodies. Two of those murdered were Save the Children staff members, on their way back from their humanitarian work in a nearby village. We wish to convey our deepest condolences to the families of all those who died in this atrocity. We are profoundly sad to hear that the staff members of Save the Children were new fathers, with a ten-month-old son and a three-month-old daughter, respectively. We deeply appreciate Save the Children and their staff for their consistent and courageous support for vulnerable children and families in Myanmar. This tragic Christmas Eve massacre is part of the military’s brutal, countrywide campaign of terror against the people and anyone who would assist them. Committing mass murders and burning of bodies has become a Standard Operating Procedure for the Myanmar military to instill terror in the people. On Christmas day, the junta used fighter jets bombing the civilians in Karen State, killing more than 10 innocent people. Just this month the military rounded up 11 civilians, including children, in Sagaing Region, executed them and burned their bodies. Myanmar’s military is currently acting with impunity, in clear and persistent violation of international law. This recent incident sadly serves to underscore the urgency of holding accountable all of the perpetrators of terrorist acts and the chain of command that guides them. We call on the United Nations and International Community to act without further delay to protect civilians from attacks by Myanmar’s military. Essential measures include prohibition on airstrikes against civilians across the country, arms embargos, more severe financial sanctions on the military and all of its enablers, protection for humanitarian workers and energetic action to bring perpetrators of these crimes to justice..."