London, UK - BHRN is strongly encouraged by the European Union’s new sanctions on members of the junta’s State Administration Council (SAC), the judiciary, the prison system, arms dealers Tay Za, Naing Htut Aung, and Aung Myo Min. However, the situation in Burma is dire and faster and more robust action is still needed. Human rights violations are steadily increasing in Burma as they struggle to maintain control of the country. Civilians in Sagaing, Karen State, and other parts of the country have faced horrendous massacres in the past month that demand further action from the international community.
“We are pleased that the EU has increased sanctions on the SAC, but we need them to approach the situation with the same urgency they have shown for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The civilians living in Burma are just as human and valuable as the civilians in Ukraine and should be given the same consideration and protection. We ask that the EU continue these positive steps with greater frequency and intensity,” said BHRN’s Executive Director Kyaw Win.
The Burmese military is struggling to win the civil war against ethnic armed groups and the pro-democratic People’s Defense Forces. As a result, they are attempting to commit atrocities against the public to reduce these groups' popular support. The military is vulnerable, but the international community needs to do more to prevent them from committing atrocities against the public. Outside of aid from China and Russia, the SAC relies on a handful of industries to continue earning revenue and funding their war effort. Addressing these sectors as thoroughly as possible is vital to ending the regime’s crimes.
The European Union should launch sanctions on Burma to prevent the SAC from continuing its operations against the civilian population. Burma’s energy, timber, and mineral sectors should be cut off entirely, and any loopholes that the SAC can exploit to continue importing or exporting should be adequately addressed. Burma’s access to aviation fuel should be thoroughly cut off, and supply chain issues that allow Burma access must be addressed.
Organisation’s Background
BHRN is based in London and operates across Burma/Myanmar working for human rights, minority rights and religious freedom in the country. BHRN has played a crucial role in advocating for human rights and religious freedom with politicians and world leaders.
Media Enquiries
Please contact:
Kyaw Win
Executive Director
Burma Human Rights Network (BHRN)
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T: +44(0) 740 345 2378
BHRN's Press Release PDF File
