Against Oppression: The Power of US Sanctions in Defending Human Rights in Myanmar

30-08-2023

Alexandra Posta

East and South Asia Human Rights Researcher

Global Human Rights Defence

In the pursuit of justice and safeguarding the dignity and human rights advocacy of people the United States wields its power against oppressive forces by imposing targeted sanctions against Myanmar (Benedetto, 30 August 2023; Strangio, 24 August 2023; RFA, 24 August 2023). As the world watches, the U.S. has taken a resolute stance against Myanmar's military regime, employing sanctions as a powerful tool to address the alarming escalation of human rights violations. This crucial step underlines the unwavering commitment to championing the rights of the oppressed and holding those responsible for heinous crimes accountable.

Since the ominous coup that seized power in Myanmar on February 1, 2021, the military junta has propagated a reign of terror (Benedetto, 30 August 2023). A staggering toll of over 3,900 civilian lives has been lost due to the military's brutal actions, as reported by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (Benedetto, 30 August 2023). This reign of terror has seen arbitrary detentions, torture, and horrifying instances of sexual violence, which together constitute crimes against humanity (Benedetto, 30 August 2023). This stark reality includes mass killings that have appallingly spared no ethnic minority population (Benedetto, 30 August 2023). From Kachin to Karen, Karenni, and Shan States, innocent lives have been lost due to the brutal military operations (Benedetto, 30 August 2023).

In a significant escalation of action, the United States has announced sanctions targeting individuals and entities linked to Myanmar's jet fuel sector (Benedetto, 30 August 2023; Strangio, 24 August 2023). This strategic move is a direct response to the regime's perpetration of brutal airstrikes against its own citizens (Benedetto, 30 August 2023; Strangio, 24 August 2023). By imposing these sanctions, the U.S. aims to sever the resources that enable the junta to carry out further atrocities (Benedetto, 30 August 2023; Strangio, 24 August 2023). The U.S. Department of the Treasury has taken a bold stance by issuing sanctions on foreign individuals and entities operating within the Burmese jet fuel sector, a sector vital for the military regime's oppressive machinery (Benedetto, 30 August 2023; Strangio, 24 August 2023). This action demonstrates the global resolve to curb the regime's capacity to harm its citizens (Benedetto, 30 August 2023; Strangio, 24 August 2023).

In the face of unspeakable brutality, the world must stand united against human rights violations, echoing the call for justice and accountability (Benedetto, 30 August 2023; Strangio, 24 August 2023; RFA, 24 August 2023). The United States' sanctions against Myanmar's military regime are not just punitive measures; they are a beacon of hope for those oppressed, a testament to the world's refusal to tolerate tyranny, and a clarion call for the sanctity of human rights. As we strive for a world where freedom, dignity, and justice are upheld, the imposition of these sanctions resounds as a strong message: that the world will not be a passive witness to the violation of human rights.

SOURCES

Erika Di Benedetto. (30 August 2023). US Sanctions Individuals and Companies Linked to Myanmar's Jet Fuel Sector. OCCRP. Available at < https://www.occrp.org/en/daily/17973-us-sanctions-individuals-and-companies-linked-to-myanmar-s-jet-fuel-sector>.

Sebastian Strangio. (24 August 2023). US Announces Sanctions Targeting Myanmar Military’s Access to Jet Fuel. The Diplomat. Available at < https://thediplomat.com/2023/08/us-announces-sanctions-targeting-myanmar-militarys-access-to-jet-fuel/>.

F. A. Burmese. (24 August 2023). Myanmar junta ‘furious’ over US bank sanctions. RFA. Available at < https://www.rfa.org/english/news/myanmar/sanctions-08242023140203.html>.