•
Mandate public reporting requirements for companies subject to national
jurisdiction permitted to do business in Burma, including the publication of social
and environmental impact assessments, full contract transparency, and the timely
and detailed disclosure of all payments made to the government of Burma. The
United States has drafted a set of public reporting requirements to help the
government identify and address human rights issues raised by the operation of US
companies in Burma. Other home governments should introduce mandatory
disclosure requirements and incorporate elements of the US government’s
Reporting Requirements on Responsible Investment in Burma at a minimum.
•
Prohibit any business engaging directly or indirectly with individuals or entities
linked to serious human rights abuses, including the Burmese military and militias,
as well as the military’s private-sector allies.
•
Introduce or implement legal frameworks, such as an independent ombudsperson,
that allow government institutions to monitor the human rights performance of
companies subject to national jurisdiction when they operate abroad in areas that
carry serious human rights risks. Frameworks should include an effective
complaints mechanism accessible to individuals and communities in Burma, and
those representing them, who allege harmful conduct or impact by companies
subject to national jurisdiction doing business in Burma, with findings and
decisions binding on companies.
•
Communicate an expectation to the government of Burma that companies
investing in Burma’s telecommunications sector should be able to implement the
recommendations to firms outlined above.
REFORMING TELECOMMUNICATIONS IN BURMA
6