... The Board and the management of Telenor Group have been deeply concerned with the deteriorating human rights and people security situation in Myanmar since the military takeover. Respecting and promoting human rights is integral to Telenor. Since 1 February 2021 the company has been as transparent as possible on the developments and challenges faced in Myanmar, and intensified its dialogue with various stakeholders, including local and international civil society organisations...

The decision to sell was taken with all information available, including integrity due diligence of potential buyers. We believe a sale is the least detrimental solution for the Myanmar society, as it will maintain the connectivity for 18 million subscribers as well as critical services such as banks and hospitals, and ensure continued employment for Telenor Myanmar’s employees and the broader value chain in a very difficult time. The people in Myanmar are facing not only severe human rights violations, but also a rapidly failing economy alongside a deteriorating health and security situation.

Telenor continues to be concerned about the security situation and development in Myanmar. The safety of all our employees is of the highest importance, and it is the company’s responsibility to ensure all efforts to keep the personnel safe from harm. Illustrating the challenges, Access Now will be aware of the recent public statement by the Myanmar Minister for Investment stating that executives from Telenor Myanmar are not permitted to leave the country...