On 26 February the Foreign Affairs Council adopted conclusions on the situation in Myanmar/Burma, in particular in Rakhine State, which remains extremely serious.

The Council condemns ongoing widespread, systematic grave human rights violations committed by Myanmar/Burma military and security forces, including rape and killings, and reiterates its condemnation of attacks by the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) and other militant groups.

The EU also calls upon Myanmar/Burma to address the issue of accountability and to create conditions for voluntary, safe and dignified return of displaced persons to their places of origin.

In view of the situation, the Council invites in its conclusions the High Representative to make proposals without delay for:

• an extension of the existing embargo on arms and equipment which can be used for internal repression as well as options for its strengthening and
• targeted restrictive measures against senior military officers of the Myanmar armed forces (Tatmadaw) responsible for serious and systematic human rights violations.

View the original press release HERE.

Download full of the Council conclusions on Myanmar/Burma HERE.