New Sanctions on Myanmar’s Military 

By Lexi Dean

In 2021 the Myanmar army seized power from the civilian-elected government leading to widespread protests and increasing conflict calling for a return to democracy. This began escalating violence between the military and armed guerilla groups made up from the country’s ethnic minorities. The takeover also sparked the beginning of what is known as the People’s Defense Forces, a pro-democracy militia. While armed groups continue gaining territory from Myanmar’s military, the military continues air strikes on civilian infrastructure, leading to hundreds of civilian deaths. The military has continued to increase its number of air strikes since a joint offensive launched a year ago that led other militia groups to attack around the country. 

Myanmar’s escalating conflict has both regional and international implications. Regionally, the military receives support from China and Russia. Furthermore, China has responded to rebel forces pushing Myanmar’s military out of borderlands by sealing the border and shutting off imports to territory under rebel control. Initially, China supported militia groups that were directing efforts towards mitigating border crime issues that the military failed to address. However, Beijing has become increasingly shocked at the deterioration of the military which it sees as the patron of stability in Myanmar. Internationally, the escalating conflict draws in UN attention regarding the need for humanitarian assistance. This past week mark the latest sanctions from the European Union, the U.K., and Canada against individuals and entities supplying aviation fuel and equipment to Myanmar’s military. 

UN special envoy for Myanmar told the UN General Assembly’s human rights committee this week that there must be an end to the violence in order to prioritize human rights needs, like civilian casualties, caused by the conflict. The main points that need to be addressed, according to the special envoy for Myanmar, are proliferating transnational crime, human and drug trafficking, and concerning growth of organized crime. The UN also estimates that about three million people have been displaced across the country and over 18.6 million in need of humanitarian assistance. These recent sanctions will work to target specific suppliers to undermine the military’s ability as well to influence regional and international actors to use their influence to stop the violence.