Project launched in Myanmar to strengthen counter terrorist financing capacity
Nay Pyi Taw (Myanmar), 20 June 2016 - As part of a broader partnership in the fight against terrorism, a technical assistance programme was launched by UNODC to enhance Myanmar's capacity to counter terrorist financing. The programme aims to assist Myanmar in strengthening its operational framework, as well as law enforcement's capacity to detect, analyze and suppress terrorist financing cases in line with international standards and obligations.
The launch comes on the back of a series of consultative meetings held from 30 May to 1 June 2016 on implementing the plan and liaising with Myanmar authorities responsible for countering terrorist financing in Nay Pyi Taw.
The meetings, led by Myanmar's Chief of Anti-Financial Crime Division Police Colonel Kyaw Win Thien and UNODC expert Mr. Tom Hansen, reviewed existing counter terrorist financing mechanisms, and agreed on a roadmap for the further development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). The meeting also discussed a capacity-building training, of which a Train-the-Trainers programme will be introduced in August 2016.
"UNODC technical assistance will contribute to Myanmar's aim to consolidate its position on anti-money laundering and counter terrorist financing, in line with the UN frameworks," said Mr. Hansen, "International standards such as the Financing Action Task Force (FATF) which Myanmar is presently subject to enhance monitoring by the FATF International Cooperation Review Group (ICRG)."
"As Myanmar works to exit the ICRG process, advance its economy and increasingly connected with international system, it is very crucial that the country's financial infrastructure is well immune from any disruptions that might be caused by terrorists and criminals," said Mr. Hansen.
Altogether twelve government agencies participated in the meeting including: Anti-Financial Crime Division, Department against Transnational Organized Crimes, Myanmar Special Police Branch, Financial Intelligence Unit Bureau of Special Investigation, Criminal Investigation Bureau, Central Bank of Myanmar, Union Attorney General Office and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
