Select Committee · Foreign Affairs Committee

The Myanmar crisis

Status: Closed Opened: 29 Apr 2021 Closed: 23 Sep 2021 27 recommendations 4 conclusions 1 report

This brief inquiry will examine the Government’s response to the ongoing military and humanitarian crisis in Myanmar. The aim of this inquiry is to provide time-sensitive recommendations that will strengthen the UK Government’s efforts to mediate and limit further violence in Myanmar. Read the call for evidence for more details about the inquiry

Clear

Reports

1 report
Title HC No. Published Items Response
Fourth Report - The UK Government's Response to the Myanmar… HC 203 16 Jul 2021 31 Responded

Recommendations & Conclusions

3 items
3 Recommendation Fourth Report - The UK Government's Res… Accepted in Part

We recommend that the UK Government supports the democratically elected National Unity Government of Myanmar...

We recommend that the UK Government supports the democratically elected National Unity Government of Myanmar by working with its representatives to identify and push for peaceful outcomes and draw attention to the junta’s illegal actions.

Government response AI summary
The government states it adheres to its policy of recognising states, not governments, but actively supports the NUG by amplifying their voice internationally, urging partners to engage, and regularly engaging with their senior figures, including ministerial meetings.
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
14 Recommendation Fourth Report - The UK Government's Res… Accepted in Part

We welcome the Government’s willingness to sanction individuals and Tatmadaw- linked companies in critical sectors.

We welcome the Government’s willingness to sanction individuals and Tatmadaw- linked companies in critical sectors. This should be taken further by freezing the military’s revenue sources on all possible fronts. The UK has the economic and technical capabilities to help significantly undermine the junta’s business in crucial industries. Read more

Government response AI summary
The government agrees to pursue targeted sanctions on businesses and organisations the junta depends on, highlighting existing sanctions and ongoing work with international partners, but not committing to freezing revenue on "all possible fronts".
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
15 Recommendation Fourth Report - The UK Government's Res… Accepted in Part

The Government should implement sanctions on Myanmar businesses and organisations in key industries on which...

The Government should implement sanctions on Myanmar businesses and organisations in key industries on which the junta is dependent at a much faster pace, while encouraging countries which are not currently introducing sanctions to do so.

Government response AI summary
The government accepted the recommendation in part, agreeing to pursue targeted sanctions on junta-dependent businesses and commit to working with partners on further sanctions, while also encouraging other countries to adopt sanctions. It highlighted its existing quick action and targeted approach, rather than explicitly committing …
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

Oral evidence sessions

1 session
Date Witnesses
25 May 2021 Dr Sasa · National Unity Government of Myanmar, John Sifton · Human Rights Watch, Mark Farmaner · Burma Campaign UK, Naw K’nyaw Paw · Karen Peace Support Network, Thinzar Shunlei Yi · Action Committee for Democracy Development, Tom Andrews · UN Human Rights Council View ↗

Who gave evidence

6 witnesses
WitnessOrganisationSessions
Dr Sasa · Minister of International Cooperation National Unity Government of Myanmar 1
John Sifton · Asia Advocacy Director Human Rights Watch 1
Mark Farmaner · Director Burma Campaign UK 1
Naw K’nyaw Paw · General Secretary Karen Peace Support Network 1
Thinzar Shunlei Yi · Advocacy Coordinator Action Committee for Democracy Development 1
Tom Andrews · Special Rapporteur on the situation of human righ… UN Human Rights Council 1