11 March 2025 | The Chin Human Rights Organization (CHRO) welcomes the latest round of sanctions by the Government of Canada on individuals and entities responsible for undermining peace, security, and stability in Myanmar. These sanctions come at a critical time when the people of Myanmar continue to face gross human rights violations, repression, and violence at the hands of the military junta and its civilian collaborators.

Canada’s imposition of these sanctions under the Special Economic Measures (Myanmar) Regulations is a significant step in ensuring that those responsible for Myanmar’s ongoing human rights and humanitarian crises are held accountable. The inclusion of not only Myanmar Army officials but also their civilian collaborators, enablers, and accessories sends a strong message: impunity will not stand, and justice must be pursued for the countless victims of the junta’s brutality.

The Importance of Targeting Civilian Collaborators

It is crucial that sanctions extend beyond military figures to those in the civilian sphere who enable, benefit from, or profit through their support for the regime. These individuals often occupy key positions of power within the shadow government structure and play instrumental roles in sustaining the regime’s grip on power. They are complicit in the oppression, and by sanctioning them, Canada acknowledges that accountability should not stop with the military brass.

Many of these civilians profit at the expense of the Myanmar people, benefiting from a corrupt system built on the suffering and exploitation of the country’s citizens. Holding them accountable demonstrates that anyone who chooses to align with an oppressive regime must bear the consequences of their actions.

Justice for Victims and Survivors

For the countless victims and survivors of the Myanmar military’s crimes, sanctions provide a sense of justice, no matter how symbolic. While these measures do not undo the horrors experienced by the Myanmar people, they represent an important acknowledgment that the world has not forgotten them. Even small actions of justice help to restore dignity to those who have suffered and signal that the international community stands with them in their fight for freedom and democracy. These sanctions also create a tangible barrier for those responsible by freezing assets and limiting their ability to travel, thus sending a clear message that their actions have consequences on the global stage.

Deterring Future Civilian Collaborators

The sanctions also act as a deterrent to those civilians considering aligning themselves with the State Administration Council (SAC) in light of the planned elections announced by the junta. These elections are widely viewed as an attempt to legitimize the military’s rule, and there will be individuals willing to collaborate to secure personal or political gain. Sanctions like these serve as a warning that anyone who chooses to support the junta will face international repercussions, including financial and personal restrictions.

“With Myanmar’s crisis deepening every day, it is vital that global powers continue to take decisive action. Canada’s leadership in this regard sets a strong precedent for other countries, including Australia, the UK, US and EU to follow, ensuring that those responsible for human rights violations are held accountable, whether they wear military uniforms or civilian clothes,” said Salai Za Uk Ling, Executive Director of CHRO.

“At CHRO, we remain steadfast in our commitment to pursuing justice for the people of Myanmar, and we will continue to support all efforts to bring those responsible for atrocities to account, whether they are military, civilian or other non-state actors. These sanctions are a meaningful step towards holding the perpetrators accountable and ensuring that the voices of Myanmar’s victims are heard.”

CHRO Calls for Continued Global Action

While we commend Canada for its latest actions, we call on other international actors to follow suit. It is only through coordinated international pressure and the imposition of sanctions on both military and civilian collaborators that we can hope to dismantle the systems of repression that continue to oppress the people of Myanmar.

Media Contact:

Salai Za Uk Ling, Executive Director, CHRO

Email: [email protected], (Signal) +91 87988 37474