Targeted sanctions one year after attempted coup in Myanmar

January 28, 2022

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Justice For Myanmar has published comparative data on targeted sanctions imposed on the Myanmar military junta, their businesses and associates since the illegal attempted coup on February 1, 2021.

The data shows an inconsistent approach among key international governments and that far more needs to be done urgently.

Some sanctions have been imposed by the US, UK, Canada and EU on senior junta individuals and some of the junta’s business interests.

Yet, less has been done to designate individuals in senior roles within the Myanmar military and junta-controlled ministries and businesses who are directly complicit in the junta’s serious human rights violations and corruption.

One year after the attempted coup, key junta businesses including Myanma Oil and Gas Enterprise (MOGE) and Telecom International Myanmar (the company that owns Mytel) still have yet to be sanctioned.

MOGE is a state-owned enterprise under Myanmar military control that generates the most significant amount of revenue for the terrorist junta.

Far too little has been done to designate individuals and entities involved in the supply of arms and dual-use goods.

Meanwhile, regional democracies Australia, India, Japan and South Korea have failed to impose any targeted sanctions since the attempted coup.

Australia passed a Magnitsky-style sanctions bill on December 2, 2021, but no sanctions have yet been imposed under the act.

Companies domiciled in these countries continue to pursue business with the Myanmar military junta and its conglomerates.

Justice For Myanmar spokesperson Yadanar Maung says: “It has been one year since the military’s brutal and illegal attempted coup and four years since the military’s campaign of genocide against the Rohingya.

“The junta’s terror campaign has only intensified, as it continues to commit war crimes and crimes against humanity with total impunity.

“While we welcome the targeted sanctions that have been imposed by the US, UK, Canada and EU, far more needs to be done.

“It is unacceptable that major military-controlled businesses and known arms suppliers continue to escape sanctions and are able to pursue business as usual, financing the junta’s international crimes.

“Also currently unsanctioned are far too many junta members, including military personnel who are responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity.

“It is time for the international community to get serious and use sanctions to cut off the flow of revenue and arms to the junta.

“Shamefully, Australia, India, Japan and South Korea have not imposed any targeted sanctions in response to the Myanmar military's illegal coup attempt.

“They need to step up and immediately take action by imposing targeted sanctions on the Myanmar military junta and its conglomerates.

“Their allies in the US, UK, Canada and EU, who have already imposed some sanctions, also have a role to play pushing these laggards to act.

“New Zealand was quick to formally suspend high-level contact with the Myanmar military junta. However, it has failed to follow this up with targeted sanctions beyond a travel ban imposed on five senior junta officials. This is not good enough.

“Faced with horrific atrocities, the people of Myanmar continue to sacrifice their lives for federal democracy and peace. The international community must listen to their voices and act in solidarity.”

More information:

View Justice For Myanmar’s comparative data on sanctions

View Justice For Myanmar’s list of Myanmar military-controlled businesses and associates that require targeted sanctions

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Justice For Myanmar, a group of covert activists campaigning for justice and accountability for the people of Myanmar, is calling for an end to military business and for federal democracy and a sustainable peace.