Atrocities in Rakhine
EU agrees sanctions on Myanmar military officials
Ongoing arms embargo to continue, trade
privileges under scanner
DIPLOMATIC CORRESPONDENT
Foreign ministers of the countries belonging to the European Union yesterday decided to impose targeted sanctions against senior military officers responsible for human rights violations against Rohingyas in Rakhine state. The council of foreign ministers of the powerful bloc of 28 European countries concluded that the ongoing arms embargo on Myanmar should be extended and that granting of trade privileges under Everything But Arms should be monitored.
The (Foreign Affairs) Council invites the High Representative to make proposals for targeted restrictive measures against senior military officers of the Myanmar armed forces (Tatmadaw) responsible for serious and systematic human rights violations without delay, according to the conclusions of the meeting held in Brussels.
In light of the disproportionate use of force and widespread and systematic grave human rights violations committed by the military and security forces including sexual and gender based violence and killings and the continuous climate of impunity, fear and insecurity in Rakhine State, the Council confirms the relevance of the existing embargo on arms and
equipment which can be used for internal repression and invites the High Representative to make a proposal for the extension thereof and to present concrete options for its strengthening without delay, said the council.
As regards practical defence cooperation with Myanmar/Burma, the EU and its Member States intend to reduce it to the strict minimum with the sole purpose of strengthening democratic principles, the respect of human rights and the rule of law, it said.
The Council recalls that the respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms is a crucial part of the EUs trade policy and underpinned the granting of trade preferences to Myanmar under Everything But Arms (EBA). The Council invites the Commission to continue monitoring the situation and to step-up engagement with Myanmar in light of the provisions of Regulation (EU) No. 978/2012, said the ministers.
The Council took stock of the situation in Myanmar in particular in Rakhine State, which remains extremely serious and condemned the ongoing widespread, systematic grave human rights violations committed by Myanmar military and security forces, including rape and killings.
It also reiterates its condemnation of attacks by the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) and other militant groups.
More than 680,000 people, mostly Rohingya, fled their homes in the Rakhine State and sought refuge in Bangladesh.
The EU foreign ministers commended Bangladesh for sheltering these people and will continue to provide humanitarian and other assistance, in line with its longstanding engagement and its pledges during the donor conference that it co-hosted in Geneva on October 23, 2017.
Recalling priority issues set out in its conclusions of October 16, 2017, the ministers deplored the fact that continued human rights violations, a climate of fear, insecurity, impunity and lack of rule of law continue to prevail in Rakhine State resulting in further, albeit smaller, refugee flows to Bangladesh and that humanitarian and development as well as media access to Rakhine State remains restricted.
The EU stressed the importance of the roadmap established by the UNSC Presidential Statement of November 6, 2017 for the resolution of the crisis and will continue to raise the issue with the UN and key international stakeholders
The ministers welcomed the signature by the governments of Myanmar/Burma and Bangladesh of an Arrangement on return of displaced persons from Rakhine (November 23, 2017) and of a Physical arrangement for repatriation of displaced Myanmar residents from Bangladesh (January 16, 2018) as very important first steps to address the ongoing refugee crisis.
The EU invited both parties to fully associate the UNHCR with the process and to allow independent monitoring in order to ensure an effective implementation of these arrangements in accordance with international law.
Myanmar has been urged to create conditions for voluntary, safe and dignified return of displaced persons to their places of origin. Particular attention needs to be placed on the increased protection needs of female-headed households, victims of sexual and gender based violence and children, including unaccompanied minors and orphans. In this context, the Government of Myanmar/Burma should carry out a rigorous needs assessment in Rakhine State and establish a time-bound Action Plan regarding the full implementation of the recommendations of the Advisory Commission on Rakhine State to improve the living conditions and human rights situation there, including addressing the issue of physical security, statelessness and discrimination against the Rohingya. Returnees access to appropriate shelter, services and livelihoods is crucial, along with providing proper rehabilitation for victims, in particular children and women and will require easing of the current restrictions on Rakhine State. The
The EU welcomed the intention expressed by the Government of Myanmar to undertake steps towards closing IDP camps in central Rakhine State and underlined the importance of an inclusive, transparent and consultative process in accordance with international standards.
Myanmar should refrain from setting up new IDP camps for returnees from Bangladesh, said the ministers. The foreign ministers asked the Government of Myanmar and the armed forces to allow credible and independent investigations into alleged serious and systematic human rights violations as reported by various UN bodies, the UN Human Rights Council (HRC)s Fact-Finding Mission and international human rights organisations. Perpetrators of such crimes must be brought to justice without delay.
