UK imposes fresh sanctions on Myanmar

The United Kingdom on Thursday launched renewed action against the Myanmar military to mark the fifth anniversary of the military's ethnic cleansing campaign against the Rohingya.

A spokesman for the British High Commission in Dhaka said the new sanctions on military firms targeted the military's access to weapons and revenues.

At the same time, the UK, The Gambia v. Myanmar International Court of Justice will step in to support international justice

Sanctioned companies include Star Sapphire Group of Companies, International Gateways Group of Companies Limited (IGG) and Sky One Construction Company Ltd. They are licensed to restrict access to military weapons and revenues.

Asia's Minister Amanda Milling also confirmed the UK's intention to intervene in the Gambia v Myanmar case before the International Court of Justice.

The lawsuit reveals whether Myanmar violated its obligations under the Genocide Convention in connection with the military's actions against Rohingya in 2016 and her 2017.

The Myanmar military launched a devastating attack on her Rohingya community in Rakhine State, Myanmar, on August 25, 2017. More than 10,000 Rohingya were killed and 740,000 fled to neighboring Bangladesh, according to a UN fact-finding mission report.

“The report also alleges that the Myanmar military has been implicated in sexual violence, serious abuse of children, torture and burning of villages. It expresses grave concern over the use of these tactics in current operations against pro-democracy groups in Myanmar.

The UK has made it clear that what happened to the Rohingya is ethnic cleansing and remains committed to taking action to stop the atrocities of the Myanmar military and hold them accountable.

Announcing the sanctions, Minister for Asia Milling said: "The UK will always stand up to those who seek to undermine and destroy our values ​​of freedom and democracy. Five years later, we continue to stand in solidarity with the Rohingya people and condemn the horrific campaign of ethnic cleansing by the Myanmar military.”

“Our decision to intervene in the Gambia v Myanmar case and to initiate new sanctions reflects our ongoing efforts to explain the atrocities of 2017 and to limit the military regime's access to funds and arms supplies. It's a strong signal of support," he added.

The 2017 violence was the result of a generational attempt to destroy the Rohingya identity. His 600,000 Rohingya who remain in Rakhine State have been stripped of their citizenship and face systemic discrimination that restricts movement and access to health care.

The UK is now repeatedly calling for the repeal of the 1982 Citizenship Act and restoration of Rohingya citizenship. Since 2017, the UK has provided £330m in aid to Rohingya camps, meeting their needs for food, shelter, sanitation, education, health and protection services.