Myanmar: EU to extend sanctions against Burmese regime

Event

On April 26, the European Union extended its arms embargo against the Burmese government due to human rights violations. The EU has also warned it would levy sanctions against individual army officials should human rights violations continue in the country. These personal sanctions would include travel bans and the freezing of assets.

Context

According to the EU, "serious and systemic" human rights violations were perpetrated during military operations carried out in the country's northwest in 2017, which sent nearly 700,000 Rohingya fleeing to neighboring Bangladesh. Similar measures and criticisms have also been levied by the United Nations and several Western countries (e.g. the US and Canada).

Advice

As a reminder, some foreign governments advise their nationals against all but essential travel to various places in Myanmar/Burma, especially areas in Rakhine state (except the southern townships of Kyaukpyu, Ramree, Munaung, Toungup, Thandwe, Ngapali, and Gwa), southern Chin state (e.g. Paletwa township due to active armed conflict), northern Shan state (except the town of Kyaukme), and Kachin state (except the towns of Myitkyina, Bhamo, and Putao) due to ongoing clashes between ethnic armed groups and the armed forces. As a precautionary measure, stay away from all demonstrations and public gatherings and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.