Myanmar

The Myanmar War Veterans Organisation (MWVO) is associated with the Tatmadaw which is responsible for serious human rights violations against the population of Myanmar; undermining democracy and repressing the civilian population, in particular during the 2021 coup d'etat and violence against ethnic minorities. The MWVO functions in part as a reserve force for the Tatmadaw and helps shape national defence and security policy. Several high-ranking serving Tatmadaw officers sit on the Central Patron Board. In particular the Commander-in-Chief and Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Services, both of whom have been involved in serious human rights violations (and designated under the Global Human Rights sanctions regulations) sit on the Central Patron Board of the MWVO. Further or alternatively, the MWVO has promoted and supported the Tatmadaw’s involvement in undermining democracy; violating human rights; and repressing the civilian population. The MWVO organises pro-regime rallies in support of, and to counter international condemnation of the Tatmadaw; and practises people’s militia. Further or alternatively, MWVO is also associated with Myanmar Economic Holdings Ltd (MEHL), a designated entity, through a shared governance structure and financial relationship.

The Director Disqualification Sanction was imposed on 09/04/2025.

2021-12-10

UK

The Myanmar (Sanctions) Regulations 2021

UK country specific

Myanmar

Asset freeze and making available provisions, Trade sanctions, Travel bans

• The Regulations impose financial sanctions through a targeted asset freeze on designated persons and prohibitions on making funds or economic resources available. This involves the freezing of funds and economic resources (non-monetary assets, such as property or vehicles) of designated persons and ensuring that funds and economic resources are not made available to or for the benefit of designated persons or entities, either directly or indirectly. • The effect of the Regulations is to impose a travel ban on persons who are designated by the Secretary of State for the purposes of being made subject to immigration sanctions under the Sanctions Act. • Trade sanctions.

The Burma (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 came fully into force on 31 December 2020. They are intended to ensure that certain financial, trade and immigration sanctions relating to Myanmar continue to operate effectively. You should also review the Sanctions (EU Exit) (Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 2) Regulations 2020 and the Sanctions (EU Exit) (Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 4) Regulations 2020 to find out any amendments made to the Regulations. This sanctions regime is aimed at encouraging the Myanmar security forces to comply with international human rights law and to respect human rights. These regulations have replaced, with substantially the same effect, relevant existing EU legislation and related UK regulations.

Licensing and exception provisions are contained in Part 6 of the Regulations.