Thank you for contacting me about Myanmar (formerly Burma).
The November 2020 elections, albeit far from perfect, were nevertheless a significant milestone on Myanmar’s path from military dictatorship to democracy. The coup effected by the military in February 2021 poses a significant threat to this progress, and I condemn it and the military's ongoing crackdown on the civilian population. I join the Foreign Secretary in calling on the junta to end the violence, release political prisoners and engage in dialogue to enable a return to democracy.
Successive ministers have taken decisive unilateral action in response to the coup. The UK has also led a strong, coordinated international response in the UN Human Rights Council, Security Council and G7; and fully supports the efforts of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to chart a course out of the current crisis in Myanmar.
The UK has imposed sanctions, most recently on 25 March, against senior members of the military regime in Myanmar in response to the coup and gross violations of human rights. These sanctions stop these individuals from travelling to the UK, and prevent businesses and institutions from dealing with their funds or economic resources in this country.
Along with the State Administration Council, the junta’s governing body, the UK has also sanctioned many of its economic interests, including:
- Myanmar Economic Holdings Ltd
- Myanmar Economic Corporation
- Myanmar Gems Enterprise
- Myanmar Timber Enterprise
- Myanmar Pearl Enterprise
- Htoo Group
By sanctioning these entities, the UK is cutting off key revenue streams used to finance brutal human rights violations and the repression of the civilian population. These sanctions send a clear message that the UK will not allow financial support that props up the illegitimate military regime.
Finally, the UK has sanctioned key military components of the regime, all of which are complicit in the repression of the people of Myanmar, including the:
- Quarter Master General’s Office, which procures equipment for the military;
- Directorate for Defence Industries, which manufactures arms for the military;
- Directorate for Defence Procurement, which procures arms abroad for the military;
- Myanmar War Veterans Organisation, a quasi-reserve force for the military;
- Dynasty International Company Ltd, an importer and broker of arms imports to Myanmar;
- Myanmar Chemical and Machinery Company Ltd, a key source of weapons and commercial support for the junta; and
- Miya Win International Ltd, responsible for brokering deals for the supply and upkeep of aircraft for the Myanmar Air Force.
I am glad that, following an urgent review of the UK's development activities in Myanmar, new safeguards are now in place to prevent UK aid from indirectly supporting the military regime. Support for government led reforms has been axed and planned programmes will close. I am reassured that the UK is working on further measures to ensure that aid can still – and only – reach the most vulnerable people in Myanmar.
The UK has repeatedly demanded that the military allow unfettered access to humanitarian aid in order satisfy the critical needs of vulnerable populations, including on the one year anniversary of the coup.
The Government has also suspended the promotion of all trade with Myanmar. Ministers have been clear that no British businesses should enter into relationships that benefit the military and must comply with all UK sanctions regimes. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and Department of International Trade have produced guidance to assist businesses in exercising such due diligence, particularly with regard to supply chains and human rights.
The UK is urging all countries to immediately suspend are sales of military-related equipment and technical support to Myanmar. The UK is also calling for all companies to cut ties with military-linked businesses with immediate effect. The UK is clear that no one should sell arms to Myanmar, and is working closely with partners and through multilateral institutions to apply pressure on those who continue to sell arms to the military. In June 2021, for instance, the UK worked with partners to deliver a UN General Assembly Resolution which urged member states to prevent the flow of arms to Myanmar.
I welcome the announced extra funding to the Independent Investigative Mechanism’ for Myanmar (IIMM), established by the UNHRC to collect and preserve evidence of serious human rights violations in Myanmar, which can then be used in future criminal proceedings. The increase brings the UK's commitment to the IIMM to around half a million pounds.
It is essential that we see a peaceful restoration of democracy in Myanmar. I am assured that HM Government is using every means at its disposal to facilitate this outcome, and will not hesitate to take further action if the military junta does not reverse its present course.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.
