The Burmese military has exploited a large network of business ties to fund “brutal operations against ethnic groups”, a United Nations fact-finding mission said in its latest report. It calls on the international community to sever all ties with the military and impose financial sanctions, an arms embargo and a consumer boycott.
Mark Farmaner, director of Burma Campaign UK, told Al Jazeera that while there is no single measure that will make the military change, “targeting their financial interests is an essential part of the pressure that needs to be applied.” He said the report shows that foreign governments no longer have an excuse for inaction.
“Members of the international community try to defend their inaction by saying their options for leverage on the military are limited”, Mark Farmaner said. “This report exposes that as a lie.”