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Justice For Myanmar welcomes Kirin Holdings’ announcement to withdraw from their business with the Myanmar military conglomerate, Myanma Economic Holdings Limited (MEHL).
Kirin Holdings has two joint ventures with MEHL: Myanmar Brewery Limited and Mandalay Brewery Limited.
MEHL directly finances the Myanmar military and top generals, including Senior General Min Aung Hlaing.
MEHL shareholders consist of military units that are directly responsible for genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity.
After a mass boycott of Myanmar Beer, Kirin announced a 46% decline in 1Q 2021 year on year sales revenue.
Justice For Myanmar spokesperson Yadanar Maung says: “We welcome Kirin’s decision to finally move to end their business with MEHL, listening to the voice of Myanmar people, and the demands of Myanmar, Japanese and global civil society.
“Millions have joined the boycott of Myanmar Beer, and this shows that collective action can disrupt the military cartel.
“Kirin should never have entered into business with Myanmar’s brutal and corrupt military.
“Kirin’s lucrative brewery has financed atrocity crimes and enriched top generals.
“We call on Kirin Holding to divest responsibly, mitigating and remediating negative human rights impacts.
“Kirin must prevent payments to the terrorist junta and MEHL in the course of divestment.
“Kirin’s withdrawal must be done in consultation with the National Unity Government.
“Kirin’s withdrawal should serve as a warning to all other businesses that continue to maintain ties with the terrorist military junta and its conglomerates. Business with terrorists does not pay.
“Other Japanese companies that continue to do business with the junta and its conglomerates, including Daiwa House, Eneos Holdings and Yokogawa Bridge Corp, must follow Kirin Holdings, cut ties with the Myanmar military and stop financing terror.”
More information:
See our explainer on MEHL here.
See Kirin Holdings’ withdrawal announcement here.
Yadanar Maung | Justice For Myanmar | media@justiceformyanmar.org
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Justice For Myanmar, a group of covert activists campaigning for justice and accountability for the people of Myanmar, is calling for an end to military business and for federal democracy and a sustainable peace.