A UN expert has strongly criticized the United States for its recent decision to roll back sanctions against companies that supply weapons to Myanmar's military regime. The move, described as "unconscionable" by Special Rapporteur for Myanmar, Tom Andrews, marks a significant shift in U.S. policy amid ongoing human rights violations in the region.

On Wednesday, Andrews highlighted that the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) had delisted military equipment suppliers, effectively boosting the junta's capabilities in arms trade. This equipment includes aircraft, naval guns, and surveillance systems, crucial in the manufacturing of weapons within Myanmar. The military's use of these resources has been linked to severe attacks on civilians and critical infrastructure such as hospitals, schools, and places of worship, actions that likely amount to crimes against humanity and war crimes.

Andrews condemned the rollback, stating, "This is a major step backward for international efforts to save lives by restricting the murderous junta's access to weapons. It is unconscionable to undermine these efforts by rolling back sanctions on Myanmar arms dealers and junta cronies."

The critique comes in the wake of a letter sent by President Donald Trump to Myanmar's military leader, Min Aung Hlaing, which hinted at easing trade restrictions in exchange for a new trade deal. The military leader's response praised Trump's "strong leadership," igniting further international controversy.

Prior sanctions, initiated under an executive order by former President Joe Biden in February 2021 following the military coup, had successfully curtailed the junta's access to military resources by over 30% between 2023 and 2024. These sanctions were part of a broader strategy to block the financial and logistical networks that support military operations and human rights abuses in Myanmar.

Moreover, the situation in Myanmar continues to deteriorate, with reports from Human Rights Watch indicating the forced recruitment of child soldiers, some as young as 12, being used in combat and support roles—a clear violation of international human rights law which mandates that children under 18 should not be recruited or used in conflict.

The decision to lift sanctions has faced widespread criticism, with many viewing it as a betrayal of international efforts to promote human rights and peace in regions afflicted by conflict and tyranny. The global community watches closely as the implications of the U.S.'s policy shift unfold, potentially altering the dynamics of international relations and humanitarian efforts in Southeast Asia.