Comment of EarthRights International on the Reporting Requirements for Responsible Investment in Burma
EarthRights International (ERI) respectfully submits this comment to the U.S. Department of State…as part of the review process for the U.S. Reporting Requirements for Responsible Investment in Burma…We urge the State Department to renew and strengthen the Reporting Requirements to ensure new U.S. investment activity in Burma is conducted responsibly and transparently and promotes, rather than undermines, the democratic reform process…Past patterns and ongoing conflict and human rights abuses associated with foreign investment projects and other business activities present ample reason to remain concerned that new investment could undermine the democratic reform process. The Reporting Requirements are an important tool through which the U.S. government can promote transparency and accountability, support political reform, and obtain information to monitor and assess whether new U.S. investment activity in Burma is furthering U.S. foreign policy goals as intended.