EU sanctions against Myanmar are unrealistic

Today, Thursday, the European Union will discuss the existing sanctions regime against Myanmar (Burma). It is likely that the measures will be continued for another year without significant tightening. According to the Society for Threatened Peoples (STP), however, the current measures as insufficient and misguided.

"The EU's policy towards Myanmar is based on false assumptions," explained Jasna Causevic, one of the STP's experts on genocide prevention and the Responsibility to Protect. "The country is considered to be on the road to democracy and human rights – so the aim is to not to overburden the government with sanctions and political conditions. However, this view does not fit in with the political realities in the country. There are still massive human rights violations and state violence, especially against minorities like the Rohingya.

Moreover, divisions within the EU are counteracting international efforts to promote human rights and democracy in Myanmar: "While some member states are calling for a more determined approach, others focus primarily on trade and geostrategic interests," Causevic stated, adding that the resulting contradictions are devastating for the people of Myanmar, especially for the ethnic minorities. Therefore, the EU should make clear political demands: "The army and the police forces must be placed under the supervision of civil courts – and citizenship rights must no longer be subject to ethnic origin, skin color, gender, language, or religion. Refugees and displaced Rohingya must be able to return to their homes freely. There, they need protection from state repression and access to medical care during the pandemic," Causevic emphasized.

The current sanctions regime includes an embargo on weapons and equipment that could be used for internal repression. This also applies to surveillance technology and other goods that allow for both civilian and military use. In addition, there are travel restrictions against 14 high-ranking officials of the Myanmar armed forces and border police. If these sanctions are not extended by the end of April, they will expire automatically.