ETI, Fair Wear Foundation, others to assess human rights in Myanmar

ETI will assess whether sourcing can be continued responsibly, both in terms of direct impact for workers and the local industry, and given the wider context, the case for disinvestment and what impact this would have.

This assessment will help determine what would constitute responsible action as informed by the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs) and their focus on actual human rights outcomes for affected stakeholders on the ground.

By engaging with a broad set of stakeholders, both local and international, this assessment aims to provide insights as to the key human rights questions for responsible business in Myanmar at this time, according to an ETI press release.

ETI has already worked with its members to track the situation, ensure workers did not lose out on wages earned, and provide advice on responsible business conduct.

It has also consulted with stakeholders to consider the wider role of responsible business in terms of whether continued presence risks underpinning continued presence of the military.

On September 1, local and global unions, in solidarity with their local affiliates, called for responsible disinvestment from Myanmar and called on companies to take action. To mark the International Day of Democracy recently, global unions stepped up their campaign in support of democracy in Myanmar.

In the interim, ETI encourages all companies operating in or sourcing from Myanmar to answer the call by local and global unions, by working to ensure they hold no direct or indirect business, commercial, or financial ties to the Myanmar military regime.

ALCHEMPro News Desk (DS)