Resource information
Testimony of Marco Simons to the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission:
"This submission describes the emerging landscape as U.S. businesses reengage in Burma and
identifies specific human rights concerns associated with current and prospective corporate
activities in Burma (Myanmar). A number of companies, including General Electric, have
already invested in Burma, and U.S. oil supermajors are considering participation in upcoming
auctions for oil blocks. Increased foreign investment has already been linked to large-scale
displacement of local communities and loss of traditional livelihoods in Burma. The legal
framework for land rights is inadequate to protect the fundamental human rights of those whose
homes and fields stand in the way of economic development; indeed, it facilitates arbitrary and
inadequately compensated alienation of land. Moreover, violence and gross human rights abuses
continue to occur in association with natural resource development projects, as at the Letpadaung
Copper Mine at Monywa, and in Shan State along the Shwe Gas Pipeline corridor.
Having decided that public disclosure, rather than regulation, is a more appropriate tool to
address the human rights and environmental concerns associated with Western investment in
Burma, the U.S. Government has proposed Reporting Requirements for Responsible Investment
in Burma that are expected to take effect prior to April 2013. While they may assist government
and civil society to monitor the human rights implications of the relaxation of U.S. sanctions on
Burma, these Reporting Requirements have a number of troubling weaknesses that may allow
serious human rights risks to avoid detection. Moreover, while the U.S. is now allowing the
World Bank and the Asian Development Bank to extend loans to Burma, such projects are
already being met with complaints over lack of transparency and consultation...
