Labor welcomes the Governments decision to impose targeted financial sanctions and travel bans against five Myanmar military officers responsible for human rights violations committed by units under their command in Rakhine state.
Labor last month endorsed the Foreign Ministers decision to flag targeted sanctions following the release of the full report of the UN Fact-Finding Mission on Myanmar which found the Myanmar military was directly responsible for gross human rights violations and serious violations of international humanitarian law.
That report concluded there was sufficient evidence to warrant an investigation and prosecutions for genocide perpetrated against the Rohingya.
Australias actions today again make clear the bipartisan position of the Government and Opposition that the Myanmar Government can no longer ignore its responsibilities and must act to rein in the Tatmadaw and hold to account those responsible for these horrific crimes.
Australias humanitarian contribution to those affected by this crisis has strong bipartisan support.
We encourage the Government to continue to work with Myanmar and our partners in the region towards a durable solution to the crisis.
Authorised by Noah Carroll, ALP, Canberra.