19-5-2023 (Singapore) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of Singapore has emphasized its commitment to preventing the influx of arms into Myanmar in response to a recent report by a United Nations (UN) expert. The report claimed that entities within Singapore have been providing “critical supplies” to the junta’s weapon factories.
In a statement on Friday (May 19), an MFA spokesperson highlighted Singapore’s principled position against the Myanmar military’s use of lethal force against unarmed civilians. The statement came after UN Special Rapporteur Tom Andrews published a report on Wednesday, revealing that the junta had imported over US$1 billion in arms and raw materials for weapon manufacturing since the coup in February 2021.
According to Mr. Andrews, approximately US$254 million worth of supplies were shipped from numerous entities in Singapore to the Myanmar military between February 2021 and December 2022. The report also mentioned extensive use of Singapore banks by arms dealers. Mr. Andrews had shared detailed findings with the Singapore government in early March, including the names of more than 45 entities involved, the shipped items, and their approximate value.
Notably, the UN Special Rapporteur refrained from disclosing the names of these entities in his report, allowing time for the Singapore government and other UN member states to take appropriate action against them.
The MFA expressed appreciation for Mr. Andrews’ efforts to assist Singapore’s investigations into possible offenses under Singapore law. The statement made it clear that Singapore would not hesitate to take action against any individual or entity contravening the country’s laws. Additionally, the Singapore government reiterated its commitment to providing humanitarian assistance and supporting the people of Myanmar. Collaboration with fellow ASEAN member states and the United Nations will continue to facilitate peace and national reconciliation in Myanmar.
Mr. Andrews acknowledged that there were no indications of Singapore’s government approving or being involved in arms shipments to the Myanmar military. However, he urged the government to review trade relations with Myanmar and to take decisive action against entities using Singapore as a base for delivering arms, spare parts, manufacturing equipment, and raw materials to the junta.
The MFA clarified that Singapore does not authorize the transfer of dual-use items that pose a potential military application to Myanmar. This precautionary measure aims to mitigate the serious risk of such items being used to inflict violence upon unarmed civilians.
Since the coup in February 2021, Myanmar has experienced widespread violence between soldiers and rebels. Local monitoring groups estimate that over 2,000 people have lost their lives in the ongoing conflict.
