Canada imposes sanctions as violence in Myanmar escalates
29 October 2024
The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced sanctions under the Special Economic Measures (Burma) Regulations against 3 individuals and 4 entities for supplying weapons and military equipment to the Myanmar military.
The sanctions announced today, in coordination with the United Kingdom and the European Union, respond to the ongoing and increasing aerial attacks by the Myanmar military regime. Over the last six months, military airstrikes killed almost 400 civilians, including more than 60 children, and injured more than 750 people
These attacks are a grave breach of international peace and security and violate the basic principles of democracy and respect for human rights. The conflict has resulted in a worsening humanitarian crisis and increased instability as the regime escalates violence to assert its authority.
Imposing these sanctions on individuals and entities under the Special Economic Measures Act (SEMA) is in direct response to these actions and to those supplying weapons, military equipment, key resources and revenue to the Myanmar military.
Canada continues to urge all countries to impose similar measures. We call on the international community to suspend all support to the Myanmar military, including the transfer of weapons, materiel, aviation fuel, equipment, and technical assistance to the Myanmar military.
Canada will continue to support the aspirations of the people of Myanmar and those who work peacefully to advance a peaceful, inclusive, democratic future.
Quotes
“Canada will not remain idle while the Myanmar military attacks its own citizens and violates democracy and human rights. We will continue to put pressure on the regime to support the people of Myanmar in their path toward genuine and inclusive democracy.”
– Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs
Quick facts
- Including today’s announcement, Canada has listed 92 individuals and 45 entities under the Special Economic Measures (Burma) Regulations since the 2021 coup.
- Canada has had comprehensive sanctions against Myanmar in place under the Special Economic Measures (Burma) Regulations since 2007, including an arms embargo, aviation fuel prohibition, and a dealings ban on listed persons, targeting both individuals and entities.
- Since the February 1, 2021, coup in Myanmar, Canada and its partners have condemned the military’s actions and have urged the military regime to reverse course.
- These sanctions are in line with Canada’s commitments under its Indo-Pacific Strategy, including promoting peace, resilience and security and upholding democracy and human rights.
- Canada’s sanctions are designed to complement broader engagement with ASEAN and the organization’s Five-Point Consensus on Myanmar
Contacts
Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
[email protected]
Announcements
28 February 2025
Asian NGO Network on National Human Rights Institutions , CSO Working Group on Independent National Human Rights Institution (Burma/Myanmar)
Open letter: Removal of the membership of the dis-accredited Myanmar National Human Rights Commission from the Southeast Asia National Human Rights Institution Forum
Progressive Voice is a participatory rights-based policy research and advocacy organization rooted in civil society, that maintains strong networks and relationships with grassroots organizations and community-based organizations throughout Myanmar. It acts as a bridge to the international community and international policymakers by amplifying voices from the ground, and advocating for a rights-based policy narrative.