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 actions that have undermined peace, security, and stability in Myanmar, as well as human rights violations committed by the military council.
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 Thu, and Aung Kyaw Ho. Additionally, the military council’s Ministry of Defense, Myanmar Armed Forces, and Infantry Battalion 33 have also been sanctioned.
Canada’s sanctions are a response to the severe human rights violations, violence, oppression, and instability occurring in Myanmar. According to UN reports, as of December 2, 2024, military attacks have resulted in the deaths of over 6,000 civilians. In the first four months of 2024 alone, military airstrikes killed 359 civilians, including 61 children, and injured 756 civilians. The Canadian government has urged the international community to take action against the Myanmar military council and called for the cessation of all operational and financial support, weapons transfers, military equipment, and technical assistance to the Myanmar military.
To date, Canada has imposed sanctions on 149 individuals and 92 organizations associated with the Myanmar military council. The Canadian government has 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 Joly stated that Canada will continue to support the Myanmar people’s aspirations for a peaceful and inclusive democratic future, and will not remain silent in the face of the military council’s ongoing human rights violations and destabilizing actions.
