A statement signed by the body’s human rights rapporteurs and analysts called for more international pressure by acknowledging that concerted global action “makes a difference.”

“We have documented that it has reduced the junta’s access to the weapons it uses to attack civilians,” it said.

Targeted action has proven effective, but current measures are “grossly inadequate and lack the coordination and strategic direction needed to deliver the support the people of Myanmar need and deserve,” the experts said.

The signatories acknowledged that on the one hand sanctions reduced the ruling military junta’s arms procurement by a third, but urged increased assistance to civil society organizations that document abuses and provide humanitarian aid.

“Governments and donors must also significantly increase assistance to civil society organizations that document human rights abuses, protect civilian populations, and deliver life-saving humanitarian assistance,” they said.

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