South African Court Orders Suspension of Arms Sales to Myanmar; JFM Warns of Broader Implications

July 21, 2024

The South African High Court has issued an order to suspend arms sales to Myanmar, stating that the ruling will have repercussions for numerous other countries, according to Justice For Myanmar (JFM). On July 19, the Southern African Litigation Centre (SALC) confirmed that the National Conventional Arms Control Committee (NCACC) has revoked permissions for arms transfers to Myanmar, which had previously been authorized.

The application was made on behalf of the SALC by the Lawyers for Human Rights (LHR) group. The court’s order indicated that the NCACC has a duty to suspend any arms contracts or permissions related to a country suspected of perpetrating crimes against humanity, war crimes, or genocide, particularly if that country has undergone a governmental change that contradicts the constitutional framework.

JFM noted that the court’s ruling will not only impact arms sales from South Africa to Myanmar but also have immediate consequences for many other countries involved. The organization welcomed the efforts of activists working to halt arms transfers to Myanmar, emphasizing that arms shipments to countries experiencing human rights violations and military coups are inherently illegal. This ruling is critical for fostering a more responsible arms trade system in South Africa, demonstrating that human rights and international laws serve as constraints on arms exports. Dr. Atilla Kisla, head of the international justice department at SALC, stated, Words like ‘disappointing’ and ‘concerning’ are no longer sufficient, as the situation in Myanmar exemplifies the need for legal actions, including halting or revoking permits when necessary.