Statement by the United Nationalities Alliance

We, the United Nationalities Alliance, observe Burma’s transition to democracy is not up to the standard yet. We believe that it is still early to lift all the sanctions imposed while in a transition period as hundreds of political prisoners still remain in jail.

We believe that only getting ceasefire agreements with armed groups does not guarantee lasting peace until and unless political problems are solved with political means […]

US Campaign for Burma Expresses its Disappointment over the US Congress and Administration’s Decision to Lift Remaining Sanctions on Burma

Today the U.S. Campaign for Burma (USCB) expresses its disappointment over the U.S. Congress and Administration’s decision to lift the remaining sanctions imposed on the Burmese military regime and its successor, so-called civilian government led by former General Thein Sein. Last week, the U.S. Congress fast-tracked the passing of legislation that authorizes the Administration to provide financial assistance and loans to Burma through the International Financial Institutions (IFIs) […]

Release of CFOB Policy Statement: “Navigating the Thaw: Burma-Canada Relations in 2012 and Beyond”

Canadian Friends of Burma (CFOB) announces the release of its recent country report on Burma-Canada relations, “Navigating the thaw: Burma-Canada Relations in 2012 and beyond”. This prospectus report on Canada-Burma relations comes at an historical and critical juncture between the two countries […]

US Decision to Ease Myanmar Sanctions Must be Coupled with Assistance in Developing Legislation and Rigorous Assessment of Investments

The ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Myanmar Caucus (AIPMC) today urged caution for investors seeking to do business in Myanmar and called on the United States, ASEAN, the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and other international bodies to assist Myanmar in developing rigorous business and investment laws that will help to ensure investments into Myanmar meet international ethical standards and do not fuel further human rights abuses or undermine the fragile reform process […]

Burma: US Backtracks on ‘Responsible Investment’ Pledge

Business Reporting Requirements Won’t Deter Abuses, Corruption

The new United States government policy allowing business activity in Burma’s controversial oil sector with reporting requirements will not adequately prevent new investments from fueling abuses and undermining reform, Human Rights Watch said today.

The Obama administration announced that it will waive longstanding US sanctions on investment and financial services in Burma […]

Breaking: US Government Eases Sanctions on Burma

ERI concerned about risks for human rights, environment

ERI is greatly concerned by today’s announcement that the U.S. will issue General Licenses authorizing U.S. companies to do business in Burma without abiding by international best practices on human rights, environmental performance, and financial transparency.  The construction of foreign-owned oil and gas pipelines continues to contribute to conflict and human rights abuses in ethnic minority areas such as Shan State, and companies investing in infrastructure development cause community suffering through forced displacement and environmental destruction throughout Burma […]

Rights Groups Express “Grave Concern” Regarding U.S. Policy on Investment in Burma

In response to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s announcement on the lifting of restrictions on U.S. investment in Burma, five human rights groups issued the following statement:

“We express grave concern regarding the U.S. government’s decision to allow investments into businesses connected to the Burmese regime that are corrupt and help to fuel human rights violations. As it stands now, investment in many of the most attractive sectors of the Burmese economy is likely to worsen the human rights situation while directly benefitting individuals and entities responsible for rights abuses, who contribute to corruption, or are otherwise acting to obstruct political reform […]

US Suspends Economic Sanctions Without Meeting Human Rights Benchmarks

The economic sanctions of the US on Burma were originally adopted because of the disregard for democratic principles and grave human right violations committed by the Burmese government. These violations continue but the pressure for the Burmese government to stop them is now removed […]

United States Government Ignores the Cries of Burma’s Oppressed Ethnic Nationalities, Rewards Burmese Regime with U.S. Dollars and Investment

Today the U.S. Campaign for Burma (USCB) expresses its concern over the US Administration’s announcement that the U.S. is lifting the financial transactions and investment ban on Burma through a presidential waiver. Lifting these major economic measures, just one week after the United Nationalities Federal Council (UNFC), the alliance of nearly all ethnic resistance groups that have engaged in negotiations with the Burmese government to end the world’s longest civil war and reach a peaceful political settlement, called on foreign governments “to oppose and pressure Bamah Tatmadaw (The Burmese military) for its wrong actions. Accordingly, we would like to request the international community not to suspend or lift the remaining political, military, financial and economic sanctions” is effectively undermining their pursuit for an end to the Burmese military’s human rights abuses and genuine national reconciliation […]

Removal of U.S. Sanctions on Burma is Premature and Dangerous

Warning about the dangers of removing the ban on investments in Burma, United to End Genocide’s president, Tom Andrews, expressed concern that the Obama administration is rewarding a government that continues to commit human rights atrocities.

“Burmese democracy leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, has urged the United States to be cautious as it considers the removal of sanctions on Burma. Daw Suu recognized that ‘people are too optimistic about the scene in Burma’ and I agree” […]