Liz Truss – 2021 Statement on Myanmar Sanctions

The statement made by Liz Truss, the Foreign Secretary, in the House of Commons on 13 December 2021.

On International Human Rights Day, 10 December, the UK announced a further tranche of sanctions in response to the military coup in Myanmar under the Myanmar (Sanctions) Regulations 2021. Asset freezes have been imposed on four Myanmar entities responsible for manufacturing or procuring arms and equipment and providing support and finance to the Myanmar military, which has continued to undermine democracy and violate the fundamental rights of the civilian population. The UK is committed to preventing the flow of arms to Myanmar and will continue to use sanctions and diplomatic pressure to this end.

In parallel, the UK imposed an asset freeze and travel ban on one individual under the Global Human Rights Sanctions Regulations 2020 for serious human rights abuses in Pakistan. The designation of a former Lashkar-e-Jhangvi commander who facilitated the 2017 bombing of the Lai Shahbaz Qalandar shrine, which killed at least 70 people, sends a strong message that the UK will use all tools at our disposal to defend freedom of religion and belief.

The UK announced the designations during the US-hosted summit for democracy, as part of our commitment to continue to use our targeted sanctions to defend human rights as well as counter serious corruption globally.

The full list of designations is below:

Under the Myanmar Sanctions Regulations 2021

Myanmar

The Quarter Master General’s Office.

The Directorate for Defence Industries, a state-owned enterprise.

The Department for Defence Procurement.

The Myanmar War Veterans Organisation, a quasi-reserve force for the Myanmar military Under the Global Human Rights Sanctions Regulations 2020.

Pakistan

Furqan Bangalzai; a former commander in the terror organisation Lashkar-e-Jhangvi.