Telenor Myanmar stands with businesses in Myanmar

The full statement was originally posted on the Myanmar Centre for Responsible Business website.

Signed by businesses operating in Myanmar, the statement outlines the steps taken by all since the declaration of a state of emergency on 1st February to ensure the safety of employees and the provision of essential services to the people of Myanmar.

It highlights the principles, transparency and international standards that have always guided our activities undertaken in the country, with particular focus on the shared commitment to human rights, freedom of expression and wider business integrity.

A copy of the full statement and list of signatories can also be found underneath:

Our companies, as investors in Myanmar, have watched with growing and deep concern the developments in Myanmar since the declaration of a state of emergency on 1st February.

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 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.

Signatories