UN urges multinationals to defend human rights against Myanmar’s junta
Several multinationals – including Coca-Cola, Heineken, Nestle, Unilever, Facebook and H&M – have signed a declaration against the coup. But France’s Total and US-based Chevron continue to do business with the junta. The oil sector generates more than US .5 billion in revenue for military-controlled Myanmar. As of yesterday, the junta has made 3,885 arrests and killed 785 people.
Yangon (AsiaNews) – UN human rights experts have called on multinationals to stand against human rights violations by Myanmar’s military junta; “businesses must uphold their human rights responsibilities,” the UN Human Rights Office said.
Until now, only NGOs and pressure groups have called for action against Myanmar’s military leaders who continue to enrich themselves from foreign trade.
“While some businesses have reiterated their public support for the rule of law and human rights, and cut ties with the junta, many continue to engage in business with the military as if nothing has happened,” the UN Human Rights Office said in its statement.
The UN experts note that the military’s economic interests remain largely untouched and unchallenged by other states and multinationals operating in the country. At the same time, although not naming names, the UN suggests that businesses that work with the junta become accomplices in their crimes.
In view of the situation, some companies have reacted. In recent weeks around 50 foreign companies – including Coca-Cola, Heineken, Nestle, Unilever, Facebook and H&M – have signed a statement expressing concerns about the coup. For their part, most Asian companies have remained silent, except for a few South Korean and Japanese firms.
Human rights groups have urged France’s and US-based Chevron to cut ties with the junta. The oil sector earns Myanmar, now directly run by the military, more than US$ 1.5 billion.
Instead, Chevron has lobbied the US State Department to lift sanctions, while, according to French daily Le Monde, Total’s operations in Myanmar have diverted funds from gas sales to offshore accounts controlled by the military rather than the government.
On the ground, the civil disobedience movement continues, impacting hospitals, schools, banks, and public offices. To stop it, security forces are carrying out raids day and night, kidnapping activists, young people, and parents.
According to the Association for the Assistance of Political Prisoners, as of yesterday, the junta has made 3,885 arrests and killed 785 people since 1 February, the day of the coup d'état.
.png)
12/01/2022 16:56
11/03/2021 14:00
