On the 10th of December the UK, US, and Canada, implemented fresh coordinated sanctions against the Myanmar military. These sanctions specifically target the Quarter Master General’s Office, the Directorate for Defence Industries, the Directorate for Defence Procurement, and the Myanmar War Veterans Organisation. Collectively, these bodies are responsible for supporting the military with manpower, funds, arms, ammunition, and materiel for the military’s continued campaign of terror against the civilian population it was sworn and constitutionally bound to protect. These sanctions highlight the importance of ending the arms trade to the Myanmar military, and the need for international cooperation in this task.

It is fitting that these sanctions came on December 10th, international human rights day, a day when all the world should take a moment to appreciate the rights they enjoy, and which elevate them and their societies to heights our ancestors could only wonder at. Sadly, it is also a time to reflect on the fragility of those rights, and the legal and political frameworks which support them. For the people of Myanmar, and far too many people in the world, rights are rapidly becoming a distant memory, and a hopeful dream. 

The military’s violations of every form of human right known to man are detestable. They must be stopped, and we welcome these fresh sanctions not only because they represent an important step towards preventing the military from acquiring the resources it needs to continue to murder and terrorise our people, but also because it shows that the international community will not accept the military’s propaganda, and will not stand idly by as civilians are killed and tortured. These sanctions put the military on notice: the world knows, and the walls are slowly closing in. The time of dictatorship will soon be at an end.

Sadly, much more work needs to be done to liberate Myanmar and her people from this terror, but these sanctions are a bold and decisive step towards victory. We welcome this development with open arms, and express our deepest thanks and gratitude to all the people, politicians, and advocates in the UK, US, Canada, who took up the cause of Myanmar and made this possible, and our continued support, respect, and appreciation for all the campaigners in other countries working to help us save our country. If we are to stop the military we desperately need to cut off their access to money, weapons, ammunition, fuel, and above all else, legitimacy. The military must be seen, and treated as, the criminal organisation they are. We need the cooperation of the world to cut off their access to the tools they used to murder and destroy. We need sanctions, not only against the military, but their members, cronies, and affiliated businesses. Cutting off the military’s money, freedoms, recognition, and arms is the fastest and most peaceful path to victory, prosperity, and lasting democracy. We call on all nations to join the example set by the US, Canada, and UK in outing and sanctioning the murderous military junta, and in so going protecting the innocent and defenceless Myanmar people. For the good of the world, and democracy everywhere, we urge all people to take up the fight against dictatorship.

Sincerely,

H.E. Dr. Sasa
Union Minister of Ministry of International Cooperation
Spoke Person of Nation Unity Government
Former Special Envoy to United Nations