11 December 2021 - London, UK - Burma Human Rights Network applauds new sanctions against the Burmese military regime by the US, UK, and Canada. These new sanctions target The Quarter Master General’s Office, The Directorate for Defence Industries, The Directorate for defence Procurement, and The Myanmar War Veterans Organisation. These departments either bolster the military leadership or directly contribute to the junta’s ability to obtain and use weapons against civilians.
“Sanctions against these entities by the USA, UK, and Canada are welcome steps which other nations in the world must also commit to. The rogue military regime in Burma has become brazen since the February coup, and significant efforts must be made around the world to stop them in their tracks. The most obvious and peaceful means to do this is by cutting off the military’s access to money weapons. We sincerely hope that these actions against the Military are just the start of actions to end their illegitimate reign,” Said BHRN’s Executive Director, Kyaw Win.
Since the February coup, the Military wildly increased its attacks on activists, minorities, and political opponents. These attacks have worsened as the international community has done little to intervene or prevent the Military from obtaining cash and arms. Most recently, the military sentenced State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and President Win Myant to four years in prison. Shortly after they attacked protesters by shooting at them and running over and killing them in the street. This follows months of disappearing journalists and activists, killing and detaining Christian and Muslim Leaders, and increased military conflict riddled with human rights violations in Chin, Shan, Kachin, Karen States, and Sagaing Region.
BHRN calls on the international community to further increase sanctions on all interests of the military and to make every effort to completely cut them off from cash flow and access to weapons. These nations must also formally recognize the National Unity Government as the legitimate Government of Myanmar while making every effort to insist that the NUG will be an inclusive government that ensures citizenship rights, ethnicity rights, and human rights equally for all of Burma’s people.
BHRN Welcomes New Sanctions Against Burmese Military by US, UK, and Canada
