Myanmar: Businesses release statement calling for the "rule of law, respect for human rights, and the unrestricted flow of information"
19 February 2021
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Through our investments, operations, local partnerships and products, we support over a hundred thousand local jobs. The safety, security and wellbeing of our employees and those employed by our suppliers remains our primary concern. In recent days, we have sought to adapt our operations to ensure the safety of our employees and the provision of essential services to the Myanmar people – whether food and drink, electricity, telecommunications, financial services, logistics or manufacturing - while respecting the individual rights to freedom of expression of our employees and the people of Myanmar.
As investors, we inhabit a ‘shared space’ with the people of Myanmar, including civil society organisations, in which we all benefit from respect for human rights, democracy and fundamental freedoms – including freedom of expression and association - and the rule of law. The rule of law, respect for human rights, and the unrestricted flow of information all contribute to a stable business environment.
We have always sought to operate in Myanmar transparently, and in line with core ILO Conventions and the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. This includes undertaking ongoing human rights and wider business integrity due diligence, and complying with applicable sanctions, as well as the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), the UK Anti-Bribery Act and Myanmar anti-bribery laws.
We will also continue to work hand in hand with local business partners which share the same approach. We believe our business presence, practices, and advocacy for a level playing field for all businesses, and our commitment to international human rights standards contribute in a significant way to the journey of openness and democracy in Myanmar.
We remain committed to our employees and to the people of Myanmar. We hope to see a swift resolution of the current situation based on dialogue and reconciliation in accordance with the will and interests of the people of Myanmar.