London/Yangon -- The Burma Human Rights Network welcomes the new round of sanctions by the US and EU against the Burmese security forces, but more action is needed immediately. The sanctions by the nations targeted high-ranking military and police figures in Burma connected to the 1 February coup and the US sanctioned the 33rd and 77th light infantry divisions as well. Most business interests and military-connected cronies have remained untouched by sanctions while they play a major role in keeping the military funded. BHRN has documented over 300 civilians killed by the Burmese security forces since the coup. Many of those killed were shot in the head while peacefully protesting and others have been killed while being tortured in detention.
“The new round of sanctions by the US and EU are a good step but further action is desperately needed as the situation becomes direr each day. The powers of the world have acknowledged that the situation cannot continue but have been reluctant to take measures that could have the most significant impact on stopping the violence. Preventing travel to the EU and freezing minor assets of some military leaders is only a symbolic action and it is not going to stop them from committing crimes against humanity. Only going after their business interests will significantly hinder their ability to function as a rogue regime. There are reports that the EU plans to announce sanctions on junta- connected businesses soon, but soon cannot come quickly enough,” said BHRN’s Executive Director Kyaw Win.
The situation in Burma may worsen still as Ethnic Armed Organizations are showing solidarity with the protest movement. Without immediate intervention by the international community to cut off the military regime from its revenue, the unbearable situation the country now faces could worsen into full-blown civil war across the country. The urgency of the current moment can’t be understated, and the world needs to act immediately.
Sanctions on Tatmadaw’s Business Interests Needed Immediately
