Media Release from Burmese Rohingya Organisation UK
It is now seven months since the European Union brought in any new sanctions on the Burmese military. As the military continues its attacks on civilians across Burma, it is imperative that the EU looks anew on how to stem the flow of arms and money to the military.
“As Rohingya we have experienced first-hand what happens when the international community does not put pressure on the Burmese military – they get emboldened to commit more crimes. That is why we have welcomed previous rounds of sanctions by the European Union. We now need to see stronger and more regular action”, said Tun Khin, President of the Burmese Rohingya Organisation (BROUK).
BROUK is calling on the EU to consistently identify and sanction arms brokers, suppliers of equipment as well as business revenues going to the military. Campaigning organisation Justice for Myanmar has identified numerous Burmese arms brokers but none has so far been sanctioned by the EU.
“After the appalling inaction of the international community in response to the genocide of the Rohingya, it has been encouraging to see the change of direction after the military coup. The EU led the world in sanctioning the Myanmar Oil and Gas Enterprise (MOGE) in February, but are now falling behind on sanctioning arms brokers”, said Tun Khin.
Since the attempted coup over 15,500 people have been arrested, over 2,300 killed and over a million people have been forced to flee their homes. UN investigators have documented evidence of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by the Burmese military.
For more information contact Tun Khin on +44 7888714866.
Previous press releases:
February 21 2022: https://www.brouk.org.uk/brouk-welcomes-fresh-eu-sanctions-on-myanmar-military-cronies/
June 22 2021: https://www.brouk.org.uk/brouk-welcomes-new-round-of-sanctions-by-eu-and-the-uk/