Three leaders from the Border Guard Force (BGF) in Karen State and their company have been included among the 106 individuals and 22 entities recently sanctioned by the European Union (EU). According to the EU’s statement, the BGF leaders and their company were sanctioned for profiting from illegal activities along the Thai-Myanmar border, including in the Myawaddy and Shwe Kokko areas. These activities include online fraud, drug trafficking, transnational human trafficking, and forced labour. The sanctions prohibit direct or indirect support to these sanctioned individuals and organizations for profit-making purposes, and the individuals are also banned from traveling to EU countries. 1
On 29 October, the United Kingdom also announced sanctions against six companies for allegedly supplying aviation fuel and equipment to the Myanmar military. The UK government expressed hope that these new sanctions would increase pressure on the military, and stated that they stand firmly committed to Myanmar’s peaceful and democratic future. 2
Myanmar has been listed among the worst countries for journalist killings and arrests for three consecutive years, with eight journalists killed by the military junta since the military coup. According to a 2024 report released on 30 October by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), based in New York, United States, Myanmar is ranked 10th on the list. In addition, Myanmar was ranked 11th in the 2022 report and 9th in the 2023 report. 3
On 2 November, the British government issued a statement condemning all violations of press freedom in Myanmar and affirming its continued support for journalists. 2 November marks the United Nations’ International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists. 4
Pope Francis, who in recent months called for Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s release, urged an end to the conflicts and warfare within Myanmar during a prayer service on 3 November. He also encouraged replacing weapons with dialogue and negotiation to find solutions. The Pope has been consistently praying for peace in Myanmar since the military coup. 5
Meanwhile, according to a report released on 30 October by the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), Myanmar’s religious freedom continues to deteriorate in 2024. The report highlights the military and political developments in Myanmar, as well as the attacks on religious organizations and the conditions of various displaced persons, including the Rohingya, and has also noted the global responses related to these conflicts. 6
1 EU sanctions three BGF leaders including Brig-Gen Chit Thu, KIC, 30 October 2024
2 Britain takes action against 6 companies supplying jet fuel to junta, RFA, 29 October 2024
3 Myanmar listed among worst countries for journalist killings for third consecutive year, RFA, 31 October 2024
4 British government pledges support for Myanmar journalists, RFA, 2 November 2024
5 Pope Francis urges end to wars worldwide, including Myanmar, RFA, 3 November 2024
6 US designates Myanmar as ‘Country of Particular Concern’ for religious freedom, RFA, 31 October 2024
