by EarthRights and Global Witness

Two years after launching their coup, the Myanmar military has announced it will hold elections in 2023, despite many former government members in prison or hiding. Such an opportunity will only allow the junta to gain further misguided legitimacy as a recognized government authority despite their human rights violations.

The international community must increase pressure on the junta while simultaneously denouncing any and all legitimacy of their rule. Sanctions are one of the most important tools available to increase pressure on the military and support the pro-democracy movement.

The purpose of this policy brief is to assess whether sanctions policies towards post-coup Myanmar have been effective and to make recommendations on how the U.S., EU, and U.K. can improve their sanctions policies in the future.