Call on Corporations to Protect Human Rights and Democracy in Burma

The United States government and European Union have lifted all remaining economic sanctions against Burma. Recently, 18 human rights groups have expressed concern over “weak reporting requirements” for American corporations looking to invest. Without sanctions or stringent reporting requirements in place, corporations can unintentionally undermine the country’s nascent democratic reforms process and inadvertently support human rights abuses in the country.

Forced land confiscation by the military government in resource rich areas have primarily affect Burma’s ethnic minorities. Communities have been displaced to make way for government-backed businesses. Profits from these businesses have supported military attacks against ethnic minority groups. Such abuses of power against the people have already sowed distrust in democracy as a force for good in their lives. No such actions must be allowed to continue.

Aung San Suu Kyi stated, “We do not want investment to mean more possibilities for corruption. We do not want investment to mean greater inequality. And we do not want investment to mean greater privileges for those already privileged.”

We call on corporations that invest in Burma to go above and beyond forthcoming reporting requirements and adhere to or specifically address the concerns of key stakeholder groups including US Campaign for Burma and Conflict Risk Network. We call on corporations to commit significant finances to civil society projects that strengthen democratic reforms, education, and health for some of the world’s most underrepresented people.

Signed,

Individuals worldwide who support democracy and human rights in Burma