Landmark decision on arms exports: High Court of South Africa sets aside permits for arms exports to Myanmar

This statement outlines a landmark judgment by the High Court of South Africa that set aside permits granted by the National Conventional Arms Control Committee (NCACC) to facilitate arms transfers to Myanmar. The order by the High Court further declares that the NCACC has an obligation to suspend any contract or export permit of arms to a country that (i) has experienced an unconstitutional change of government and/or (ii) is reasonably suspected, by a special rapporteur, independent expert, or other person working in terms of a United Nations mandate, of having committed any crime against humanity, war crime, or genocide.