Business & Human Rights in Myanmar: A Round-Up of Recent Developments

This briefing summarises major business and human rights developments in Myanmar (Burma) from November 2010, when the country held its first elections after 20 years and pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi was released from house arrest, to the present. It covers the positive and negative impacts of companies operating in the country, and is based on reports from a range of sources that the Resource Centre has featured on its website and in its Weekly Updates. It also refers to responses we received from companies when we asked them to reply to concerns raised by civil society, and refers to the failure of certain companies to respond.

Part 3 presents key cases in the sectors that have had major impacts on human rights, namely oil & gas, construction, hydropower, mining and manufacturing. It summarises allegations of human rights impacts of specific projects, presents company responses to these allegations where available, and outlines community, NGO, and government actions. It also draws attention to freedom of association and child labour concerns. The briefing shows how Myanmar people affected by business activities have made use of newfound freedoms to raise their concerns before companies and the Myanmar Government. It also shows that in some cases people have suffered retaliation for their efforts to protect human rights.

Part 4 tracks key relevant domestic and international policy and legislative developments, and refers to civil society inputs and reactions.

Part 5 presents a selection of commentaries and reports that provide guidance for companies in Myanmar and for those considering entry to Myanmar. These materials were developed in response to the easing and lifting of international trade sanctions.

Download the report here.

This post is in: Business and Human Rights