London, UK – The Burma Human Rights Network calls on Member States of the UN Human Rights Council to follow their resolution on Burma with action. During a Special Session held on 12 February, the Council unanimously approved a resolution calling for the release of political prisoners and for the military to refrain from violence. The resolution must be followed by targeted sanctions against military leaders and their interests by Member States themselves.

“The unanimous resolution by the Human Rights Council is a welcome first step but in order for it to be meaningful, it must be followed by concrete action. To confirm what we have all witnessed is not enough and will do little to prevent the Burmese military from continuing to consolidate power and harm civilians. While the United States have already announced targeted sanctions on the Burmese Military, more countries should do the same and need to impose sanction on the military and their business,” said BHRN’s Executive Director Kyaw Win.

Member states issued harsh critiques of the military coup and cited reports of violence against civilians, including the use of water cannons on protesters, the use of live and rubber bullets, and the sweeping arrests of activists and political figures. The Human Rights Council does not have any authority to enforce the resolution and BHRN calls on other organs of the UN and member states to take decisive action in response to the urgent crisis confronting them. Aside from targeted sanctions, Member States must support the protesters and Civil Society Organizations, must ensure that humanitarian aid can still reach the public in Burma.