The Canadian government has announced sanctions against 13 individuals including members of the terrorist military council, ministers, deputy ministers, and 3 departments, as declared by Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly on March 8. These sanctions are in response to the military council’s actions that have undermined peace, security, and stability while committing human rights violations in Myanmar. The sanctioned individuals include military council member Dr. Ba Shwe, General Moe Aung, Minister Kan Zaw, Minister Ko Ko Hlaing, Deputy Minister of Communications Brigadier General Lu Mon, Deputy Minister of Transport Aung Kyaw Tun, Deputy Minister of Transport Aung Myint, Deputy Minister of Defense Colonel Ko Lay, Deputy Minister of Planning and Finance Than Than Lin, Deputy Minister Min Htut, Military Council Office Minister Khun Thant Zaw Htoo, Htin Kyaw Soe, and Aung Kyaw Ho.
Additionally, the military council’s Ministry of Defense, Myanmar Armed Forces, and Infantry Battalion 33 have also been sanctioned. The Canadian government stated that these sanctions are in response to severe human rights violations, increased violence, oppression, and instability caused by the military council. According to UN reports, as of December 2, 2024, over 6,000 civilians have been killed due to military actions. In the first four months of 2024 alone, military airstrikes resulted in the deaths of 359 civilians, including 61 children, while 756 civilians were injured.
Canada has urged the international community to take action against the Myanmar military council and called for the suspension of all operational and financial support to the Myanmar military, including the transfer of weapons, military equipment, and technical assistance. The Canadian government emphasized its commitment to working with international partners to achieve inclusive and sustainable peace in Myanmar, restore democratic governance, and ensure accountability for human rights violations. Minister Mélanie Joly stated that Canada would not remain silent in the face of the military council’s violations and would continue to support the Myanmar people’s aspirations for a peaceful and inclusive democratic future.
To date, Canada has imposed sanctions on 149 individuals and 92 entities associated with the Myanmar military council. The Canadian government remains committed to supporting efforts toward restoring democracy and human rights in Myanmar, working alongside international partners to achieve these goals. These sanctions reflect Canada’s strong stance against the military council’s ongoing violations of human rights and its commitment to supporting the Myanmar people’s struggle for democracy and freedom.
