EU Must Maintain Burma Sanctions

By Burma Campaign UK • February 8, 2011

NLD sets release of all political prisoners as a critical benchmark before lifting sanctions

Burma Campaign UK today called on members of the European Union to maintain targeted sanctions on Burma, following the release of a policy statement on sanctions by the National League for Democracy (NLD).

The European Union has a ‘Common Decision’ on Burma foreign policy, which has to be renewed every April. Some European countries, including Italy and Germany, are believed to favour relaxing some sanctions.

The National League for Democracy has looked in detail at the impact of economic sanctions on ordinary people in Burma, and concluded that it is the policies of the dictatorship, not sanctions, which are causing economic hardship. Some countries which support the lifting of sanctions have tried to claim sanctions hurt ordinary people. The NLD has rejected this.

In the statement, the NLD calls for progress on human rights and democracy in order for sanctions to be lifted, stating: “As the major causes of sanctions are violations of human rights and lack of democratic practices, it is by dealing effectively with these issues that the removal of sanctions can best be effected. The release of all political prisoners is a critical requirement.”

The NLD has called for meetings with those countries which have sanctions, in order to agree on which circumstances would lead to a modification of sanctions. Setting clear benchmarks on what improvements in human rights and steps towards democracy would be required before sanctions are lifted would be a welcome step. At present some countries have argued that the fake election and release of Aung San Suu Kyi are reason enough to lift some sanctions. The NLD has rejected this. They argue that attempts to confine political activity to the Parliamentary system following the elections ‘reduces democratization in Burma to a parody’.

Commenting on the Policy Statement, NLD Vice-Chairman U Tin Oo has stated: “We would urge the countries that are helping Burma’s democratic movement to maintain their targeted sanctions. There is no tangible progress toward Burma’s democratic reforms.”

“The dictatorship has not taken any positive steps which justify the lifting of targeted sanctions,” said Mark Farmaner, Director at Burma Campaign UK. “Now that the National League for Democracy has clarified its policy, the EU should rule out lifting any sanctions until clear benchmarks, agreed with the NLD, are met.”

For more information contact Mark Farmaner on 020 7324 4710.