July 21, 2024

A South African court has ordered the cessation of arms exports to Myanmar’s military junta, nullifying permits that allowed the transfer of military weapons to Myanmar. This ruling, issued on July 19, was based on an application filed by Lawyers for Human Rights (LHR) on behalf of the Southern Africa Litigation Centre (SALC).

The court’s decision mandates that the National Conventional Arms Control Committee (NCACC) revoke all permits authorizing the sale and transfer of military weapons to Myanmar. The ruling cites two key reasons for this action: (1) Myanmar’s unconstitutional change of government and (2) credible allegations of crimes against humanity, war crimes, or genocide committed by the junta, as substantiated by independent experts or UN-designated authorities.

This landmark decision by the South African judiciary affects all future arms transactions between South Africa and Myanmar and sets a precedent for other countries. It underscores South Africa’s responsibility to suspend arms deals with any nation reasonably suspected of such serious violations.

Justice For Myanmar, in a statement issued on July 21, praised the efforts of SALC and LHR, emphasizing the importance of this ruling in curbing the junta’s access to weapons used for human rights abuses and violent suppression of the population. This court order aligns with international efforts to isolate Myanmar’s military regime and cut off its access to military resources.