(OTTAWA) Canada is imposing new sanctions on Burma’s military elite, two years after the country’s coup.
The country, formerly known as Myanmar, has experienced democratic backsliding and a series of humanitarian crises, in addition to the persecution of the Rohingya minority.
Ottawa announced on Tuesday that it was sanctioning six more officials, meaning the ban on assets and stay in Canada now applies to more than 90 people affiliated with the military junta.
Canada also bans the sale and shipment of aviation fuel to the regime, a measure called for by groups like Amnesty International.
Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly said the decision was made in concert with the United States and the United Kingdom.
His office said the decision came “in direct response to the escalation of the armed conflict, most notably the increased use of air strikes against civilians, in violation of international humanitarian law.” »
“We will continue to put pressure on the regime to support the people of Burma on the path to true and inclusive democracy,” Minister Joly said in a statement.
