Weak enforcement of international sanctions has allowed the junta to continue sourcing aviation fuel, despite a United Nations Human Rights Council resolution in April urging member States to prevent the export, sale, or transfer of jet fuel to the Myanmar military.

The junta continues to evade restrictions through networks of intermediaries, trading companies, and fuel terminals aided by companies in Vietnam, Singapore, and China.
New investigations by Belgian organisation Justice For Myanmar and Info Birmanie reveal that French aerospace giant Airbus is an investor and partner of the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC).

AVIC is a key supplier of military aircraft, arms, and critical aviation maintenance to Myanmar’s military.

APHEDA-Union Aid Abroad’s Myanmar Campaign Network is campaigning for Australian superannuation funds to review all holdings and divest from AVIC-controlled companies and entities supplying or supporting Myanmar’s military junta. Funds holding shares in Airbus must engage with Airbus over AVIC and its arms sales to Myanmar.

APHEDA is also assisting Burmese migrants workers and refugees seeking safety and job opportunities in Thailand.

Many of these people, such as those pictured above crossed a river at Mae Sot, face exploitation, with employers and government officials.

Readers can go to www.apheda.org.au for more information on APHEDA’s work in Myanmar.