The European Union Council Thursday said it has imposed sanctions against 18 individuals and 5 entities under the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime, because of their responsibility for serious human rights violations and abuses in Afghanistan, South Sudan, the Central African Republic, Ukraine and Russia.
These include the acting Taliban Ministers of Education and Justice and the acting Taliban Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Afghanistan because of their role in depriving Afghan girls and women of their right to education, said a Council statement.
Measures also target a senior officer of the South Sudanese armed forces, a leading figure of the Popular Front for the Rebirth of Central African Republic, and a commander of the 30th Motorized Rifle Brigade of the Russian armed forces because they committed widespread attacks against the civilian population in the countries where they operate.
The EU also imposed sanctions against twelve other individuals and five entities responsible for serious human rights violations in Russia.
Altogether, EU sanctions under the Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime now apply to a total of 61 individuals and 20 entities.
Meanwhile, in a separate statement the EU announced a seventh round of sanctions in view of the situation in Myanmar against six individuals and one entity in response to the continuing escalation of violence, grave human rights violations and threats to the peace, security and stability.
The listings include three Union Ministers for immigration and population, labour and health and sports, among others.
EU sanctions currently apply to a total of 99 individuals and 19 entities in Myanmar.
Source: Kuwait News Agency