Canada imposes further sanctions in response to ongoing crisis in Myanmar

News release

June 25, 2018 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced targeted sanctions under the Special Economic Measures (Burma) Regulations against seven additional Myanmar nationals involved in the military operations launched in Rakhine State in August 2017, which have led to the ongoing crisis.

These sanctions are imposed as a result of the significant role played by senior military officials in the brutal violence and persecution against the Rohingya communities in Myanmar, which has forced over 720,000 Rohingya to flee their homes.

Canada is committed to protecting the human rights of the Rohingya and all other ethnic groups in Myanmar. We will continue to work together with the international community, including the European Union.

Quotes

“Today, the European Union and Canada have announced sanctions against some of the key military leaders who were involved in atrocities and human rights violations in Rakhine State, including sexual and gender-based violence. Canada and the international community cannot be silent. This is ethnic cleansing. These are crimes against humanity.”

- Hon. Chrystia Freeland, P.C., M.P., Minister of Foreign Affairs

Quick facts

  • In a coordinated effort to address Myanmar’s ongoing crisis, Canada and the European Union both announced sanctions today against the same seven Myanmar nationals involved in the military operations launched in Rakhine State in August 2017.

  • On February 16, 2018, Canada imposed targeted sanctions against Major General Maung Maung Soe under the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act.

  • On December 13, 2007, the Special Economic Measures (Burma) Regulations came into force in order to respond to the gravity of the human rights and humanitarian situation in Myanmar, which threatened peace and security in the region.

  • On May 23, 2018, based on recommendations highlighted in the final report of the Honourable Bob Rae, the Prime Minister’s Special Envoy to Myanmar, Canada unveiled its strategy to meet the needs of those displaced and most vulnerable.

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Adam Austen
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
Adam.Austen@international.gc.ca

Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
343-203-7700
media@international.gc.ca
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