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. This action was taken in response to the military council’s violations of human rights and their actions that have undermined peace, security, and stability in Myanmar. The sanctioned individuals include military council member Dr. Ba Shwe, General Moe Aung, Minister Kan Zaw, Minister Ko Ko Hlaing, Deputy Minister for Communications Brigadier General Lu Mon, Deputy Minister for Transport Aung Kyaw Tun, Deputy Minister for Transport Aung Myint, Deputy Minister for Defense Colonel Ko Lay, Deputy Minister for Planning and Finance Than Than Lin, Deputy Minister Min Htut, Military Council Office Minister Khun Thant Zaw Htoo, Htin Kyaw Soe, and Aung Kyaw Hor.
The sanctions also target the military council’s Ministry of Defense, Myanmar Armed Forces, and Infantry Battalion 33. According to Canada’s statement, these sanctions were imposed in response to the military council’s severe human rights violations, acts of violence, oppression, and destabilizing actions that have worsened the humanitarian crisis. According to UN reports, as of December 2, 2024, military attacks have killed over 6,000 civilians, and in the first four months of 2024 alone, airstrikes killed 359 civilians, including 61 children, while injuring 756 civilians.
Canada has urged all countries to take action against the Myanmar military council, calling for the suspension of all operational and financial support to the military, and the cessation of transfers of arms, military equipment, and technical military assistance. The Canadian government has stated its commitment to continue working with international partners to achieve inclusive and sustainable peace in Myanmar, restore democratic governance, and ensure accountability for human rights violations. To date, Canada has imposed sanctions on 149 individuals and 92 entities associated with the Myanmar military council, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to supporting the Myanmar people’s aspirations for a peaceful and inclusive democratic future.
