Burma Campaign UK has today published a new briefing paper, ‘Beyond the ‘Ballot’: The crisis in Burma and what the British Government should do about it’. The Briefing paper is available here.
The briefing paper describes the UK as having gone from leaders to laggards in taking action to help promote human rights and democracy in Burma.
As the Burmese military prepares for another sham election as a precursor to another sham reform process, it is vital that British government ministers revitalise UK policy towards Burma.
Recommendations include:
- In addition to rejecting the sham election which begins on 28th December 2025, the British government should not engage with or be fooled by the sham so-called reform process which follows it.
- Resume ongoing systematic identification and sanctioning of sources of revenue and arms to the Burmese military, including state-owned banks used to facilitate arms purchases, Mytel, and sources of jet fuel.
- Aid cuts must be reversed, current levels of aid must not just be maintained, but also increased.
- Support for refugees from Burma should be increased.
- New approaches to raising Burma at the UN Security Council should be initiated.
- The Burmese military attaché should be expelled from the UK.
The briefing paper comes days after the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Myanmar, Tom Andrews, called for UK leadership in addressing the Burma crisis. He stated:
“While the military continues to escalate its attacks on civilian targets, there have been no new targeted UK sanctions issued against the junta since October 2024 and protection pathways for desperate Myanmar people appear to be narrowing under newly announced policies … The United Kingdom can play a decisive role – and now is the moment to act.”
His statement is available here.
“When British government ministers have the political will, the UK can be very effective at mobilising international action to assist the people of Burma in their struggle for freedom,” said Mark Farmaner, Director of Burma Campaign UK. “While the Burmese military implement new sham elections as part of their plan for eternal rule, the British government needs to be proactively cutting off their supply of money and arms.”