UN urges sanctions on Myanmar businesses

A UN fact-finding mission warned on Monday that a web of businesses run by Myanmar's army is financing military operations such as the crackdown on the country's Rohingya minority.

In a new report, the mission appealed for targeted sanctions on these companies, as well as an embargo on weapons sales to Myanmar.

"The revenues the military earns from domestic and foreign business deals substantially enhances its ability to carry out gross violations of human rights with impunity," the mission said.

The report identified at least 59 foreign companies — including firms from France, Belgium, Switzerland, Hong Kong and China — that have dealings with army-linked ventures. It also named at least 14 companies that have sold arms to the Myanmar military, including state-owned entities in Israel, India, South Korea, and China.

Read more: US sanctions Myanmar security officers over Rohingya crackdown

Allegations of widespread abuse

The UN and Western governments accuse Myanmar's military of committing mass killings, gang-rapes, arson and other atrocities during the 2017 military crackdown in Rakhine state. The violence forced more than 700,000 members of the Rohingya Muslim minority fleeing over the border to Bangladesh.

Myanmar's government denies the allegations and says it was reacting to attacks by Rohingya insurgents.

Read more: Myanmar's democracy is letting down a young generation

The report from UN's fact-finding mission focused on the army's two main conglomerates, Myanmar Economic Holdings Ltd. (MEHL) and Myanmar Economic Corp —  holding companies with investments in various industries, from gemstones and copper, to pharmaceuticals and clothing. 

The UN panel has previously said the military leaders in charge of the two conglomerates should be investigated for genocide and war crimes. 

Read more: Did UN 'self-censorship' aggravate Rohingya crisis in Myanmar?

Cut ties to army-run businesses

Myanmar has one of the fastest-growing economies in the region and its transition from military to civilian rule over the past decade has attracted foreign businesses. However, investors have come under pressure to ensure they are not indirectly aiding human rights abuses.

Marzuki Darusman, the chair of the UN fact-finding mission, stressed that the international community needed to do more to curb the military's funding, for example through sanctions and by encouraging foreign companies to do business with entities independent of the army.

"This will foster the continued liberalization and growth of Myanmar's economy, including its natural resource sector, but in a manner that contributes to accountability, equity and transparency for its population," he said.

The US, the EU, Australia, and Canada have imposed sanctions on senior officers in Myanmar over the killings in Rakhine state. The International Criminal Court has also launched a preliminary probe into rights abuses.

nm/aw (AP, Reuters, dpa)

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