Sanctions imposed on Myanmar military

The UK, EU and Canada have announced sanctions to target the Myanmar military's access to military material, equipment and funds.

It is hoped the action will help to constrain the Myanmar military’s ability to conduct airstrikes on civilians, which amount to gross human rights violations.

The sanctions target six entities involved either in providing aviation fuel to the Myanmar military or in the supply of restricted goods, including aircraft parts.

The Myanmar military overthrew the government in February 2021, there has been violence and atrocities committed since then.

Previous sanctions have been announced against suppliers of aviation fuel to the military in February and March 2023 and arms dealers in October 2023. Since the coup, the UK has designated 25 individuals and 33 entities under the Myanmar Sanctions Regime.

Minister for the Indo-Pacific, Catherine West said: "The human rights violations taking place across Myanmar, including airstrikes on civilian infrastructure, by the Myanmar military is unacceptable and the impact on innocent civilians is intolerable.

"That is why today the UK is announcing fresh sanctions targeting the suppliers of equipment and aviation fuel to the Myanmar military. Alongside the EU and Canada, we are today further constraining the military’s access to funds, equipment and resources.

" These sanctions will increase pressure on the Myanmar military. The UK remains steadfast in our support for the Myanmar people and their aspirations for a peaceful and democratic future."