UN urges countries to do more to cut Myanmar military’s revenue, arms supply

The UN Human Rights Office has called out to countries to do more to cut the Myanmar military's access to revenue and arms supply to halt its repression of the people.

The report was aimed to follow up on earlier recommendations made by the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Myanmar ('FFM') on economic interests of the Myanmar military, which was formed after the brutal campaign against the Rohingyas in Rakhine State.

The campaign, which was described by the US as genocide, forced about 7.5 lakh Rohingyas to Bangladesh in 2017. Later in 2021, the military took over the control of the country, ousting the elected government.

Since then, there were continuous conflicts between the military and pro-democracy people. About 2000 people have been killed in the conflicts.

The UN report released today reiterated the FFM's recommendations to impose targeted financial sanctions on the Tatmadaw and its economic interests as well as arms embargos.

It also highlights that such measures must respect human rights and that efforts must be made to mitigate foreseeable socio-economic impacts. Several States continue to supply weaponry and engage in military cooperation, the report said.

Since seizing control of state organs in early 2021, the so-called State Administration Council has "failed to govern in meaningful and sustainable ways, instead continuing to repress and terrorise the Myanmar people," the report says.

While some progress has been made on the FFM's recommendations to economically isolate the Tatmadaw, there remain significant gaps, which are ever more important following the coup.

"Targeted measures should particularly focus on the military's foreign currency access," said the report.

It urges the international community to step up efforts to support the people of Myanmar and to ensure the military's financial isolation in a coordinated fashion.

Appropriate sanctions should be implemented in consultation with civil society and the democratic movement, including trade unions and the National Unity Government, to calibrate their impact, the report said.

Myanmar's military authorities are clearly prioritising its military campaigns over the welfare of the population and economic recovery, the report said.

In comparison with the previous annual government budget, the military authorities' 2022/23 budget increased defence spending, while reducing allocations to education, health, and social welfare.

Poverty in Myanmar has increased at least two-fold and the public health system has effectively broken down since the coup, and more than half of all school-age children have not had access to education for two academic years, the report said.

It also reported that some States and companies continue business relationships with military-owned enterprises in a number of sectors.

All businesses active in Myanmar or sourcing from the country should take steps to ensure they do not economically benefit the military, including by conducting ongoing and transparent heightened human rights due diligence, the report says.