29 October 2024 – Dhaka, Bangladesh
In a joint effort to curb violence against civilians in Myanmar, the United Kingdom, European Union, and Canada have announced a new round of sanctions aimed at restricting the Myanmar military regime’s access to military equipment, funds, and essential resources. These sanctions target companies supplying aviation fuel, military equipment, and funds that enable the junta to continue its violent campaign against opposition and civil society.
The UK’s sanctions, which focus on entities providing aviation fuel and restricted goods to the Myanmar military, come in response to the record-breaking number of airstrikes carried out by the junta in August 2024, resulting in the deaths of dozens of civilians. The action, part of a coordinated effort with the EU and Canada, aims to limit the military’s capacity to conduct further airstrikes and other operations that have led to widespread human rights abuses.
UK Targets Suppliers of Aviation Fuel and Military Equipment
The UK sanctions list includes six companies identified as supplying critical resources to the Myanmar military. Among them, Asia Sun Group Company Limited and its associates, including Swan Energy Company Limited, Myan-Oil Company Limited, and Rich Ray Trading Company Limited, were sanctioned for their role in providing aviation fuel.
Additionally, Progress Technology Support Company and King Royal Technologies Company Limited face sanctions for supplying restricted goods and technology that could facilitate serious human rights abuses.
According to Minister for the Indo-Pacific Catherine West, these measures underscore the UK’s commitment to supporting Myanmar’s civilians and limiting the junta’s military capabilities. “The human rights violations taking place across Myanmar, including airstrikes on civilian infrastructure, by the Myanmar military are unacceptable. The UK, in cooperation with the EU and Canada, is taking a firm stand to disrupt the military’s access to vital resources, including funds and fuel.”
International Efforts to Support Myanmar’s People
Since the 2021 military coup, which ousted the democratically elected government led by Aung San Suu Kyi, Myanmar’s military regime has increased its reliance on violence to suppress opposition voices.
Recent military airstrikes have exacerbated the humanitarian crisis, with over 3.4 million people displaced and 18 million in urgent need of assistance. To date, the UK has contributed over £150 million in humanitarian aid to support healthcare, education, and community resilience efforts within Myanmar.
The UK and its partners have now sanctioned a total of 25 individuals and 33 entities linked to the junta, signaling a long-term commitment to holding the regime accountable for human rights violations. As Myanmar faces increasing instability, the UK, EU, and Canada have vowed to continue applying pressure until the junta moves toward a peaceful and democratic future.
Sanctioned Entities List
The companies sanctioned today include:
- Asia Sun Group Company Limited
- Swan Energy Company Limited
- Myan-Oil Company Limited
- Rich Ray Trading Company Limited
- Progress Technology Support Company (a.k.a. Royal Shune Lei Co)
- King Royal Technologies Company Limited