Sanctions

Australia first imposed targeted sanctions on Myanmar in response to the Myanmar Government’s failure to recognise the victory of the National League for Democracy in the 1990 Myanmar elections. In 2012, Australia lifted some sanctions measures after the Government of President Thein Sein initiated democratic reforms. However, Australia retained an arms embargo due to concerns about ongoing armed conflict, weapons proliferation and human rights abuses.

The Australian Sanctions Office (ASO) is the Australian Government’s sanctions regulator. The ASO was established on 1 January 2020 within the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). The ASO provides guidance to regulated entities on sanctions, processes applications for sanctions permits, and collaborates with other agencies to monitor and enforce compliance with Australian sanctions laws.