The United States’ recent decision to lift sanctions on entities connected to Myanmar’s ruling military regime has drawn sharp condemnation from the United Nations’ leading expert on the country, marking a significant reversal of policy that many view as a detrimental step backward for human rights.
Tom Andrews, the UN special rapporteur on human rights in Myanmar, expressed profound shock regarding the move, publicly criticizing it as a dangerous precedent. His remarks underscore the international community’s concerns about the implications of such actions on a nation grappling with persistent humanitarian crises.
The quiet removal of sanctions on five individuals and companies, all allegedly linked to the regime’s illicit arms trade, occurred on July 24. This action sparked immediate controversy, especially given the historical context of the military’s suppression and human rights abuses in Myanmar.
Adding to the perplexing nature of this policy shift, a US representative had previously submitted a statement to the UN in June. This earlier communication explicitly accused the Myanmar military regime of heinous acts, including bombing civilians and forcibly conscripting Rohingya people to serve in its conflicts.
The decision to ease these critical sanctions notably followed just two weeks after Myanmar’s military chief dispatched a letter of effusive praise to then-US President Donald Trump. This correspondence lauded Trump’s “strong leadership” and applauded his administration for ceasing financial support for US-backed media outlets that were critical of the regime.
In light of these developments, Andrews issued an urgent appeal to the Trump administration to reconsider and reverse its stance. He specifically advocated for not merely maintaining but extending sanctions, pinpointing the Myanmar Economic Bank as a crucial target due to its role as the military’s primary financial conduit for acquiring imported military equipment.
Andrews underscored the gravity of the situation, labeling the current trend as both “dangerous and disturbing.” He passionately urged the US government to align itself with the aspirations of the Myanmar people, arguing that easing restrictions only emboldens the military junta to continue its attacks with sophisticated weaponry, making it “literally a matter of life and death” for innocent civilians.
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