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*|HTML:MMERGE4|* <<First Name>> *|HTML:MMERGE3|* <<Last Name>>  News from Myanmar Centre for Responsible Business     Read Burmese version here

MCRB’s First Communication on Engagement for the UN Global Compact   MCRB’s Communication on Engagement highlights the actions that the Centre is taking to support the UNGC’s 10 Principles in both its external engagement and internal management. Waste management is increasingly being raised as a concern in MCRB workshops. We have committed to play our part in Reduce Reuse Recycle by reducing plastic use e.g. using water jugs instead of plastic bottles for workshops. Please join us on this!   Access the Report

Building the Capacity of Local EIA Consultants   On 12 August 2016, Vermont Law School (VLS) and MCRB with support from Heinrich-Böll Stiftung and participation of MONREC’s Environmental Conservation Department organised a training session in Yangon for Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) consultants on the 29 December 2015 EIA Procedure and good EIA practice. A follow up workshop will take place 30 September.   Access the workshop presentations

PeaceNexus and MCRB convene ‘design workshop’ on company-community dialogue and mediation   Peace Nexus and MCRB convened a ‘collaborative design workshop on 29/30 August’ to discuss the need for, and shape of, a possible initiative – or initiatives – to build capacity of civil society and business for dialogue and mediation of business-related conflicts. Some 50 participants attended, from local lawyer networks and paralegals, grass roots civil society organisations already working to support communities affected by investment, as well as foreign and local businesses, international organisations and the Myanmar Human Rights Commission.   Read more

MCRB Forms Strategic Alliance with Business Disability International (bdi)   MCRB has entered into a ‘strategic alliance’ with bdi. This builds on MCRB’s past and ongoing activities to initiate awareness of business on disability e.g. our ‘Guide on CSR and Disability (CSR-D) for Companies in Myanmar’ co-published with The Deaf Resources Centre. MCRB and bdi share a common strategic goal of enabling global and Myanmar business to become ‘disability confident’, and mobilising business behind legal and systemic reform. The strategic alliance will allow MCRB to tap into global experience of business & disability rights legislation and share these with Myanmar stakeholders.   Read more

MCRB in the Media   Lucy Purdon, Adviser to MCRB on ICT/human rights issues had an article in Myanmar Times on the Challenge of Criminalising Hate Speech, building on the examination of hate speech issues in MCRB’s September 2015, ICT Sector Wide Impact Assessment (SWIA);  and China Dialogue has published an analysis by Vicky in English and Chinese of what new Myanmar environmental and social protection laws mean for Chinese - and other – investors.   Read more

Roundtable for Civil Society on EIA, 12 Sept   MCRB is hosting a half-day seminar on Monday 12 September on ‘Strategic Issues and Future Concerns in the environmental impact assessment (EIA) process in Myanmar’ in Yangon with international sustainability consultancy ERM. This is an opportunity for NGOs and civil society organisations (CSOs) to raise questions and concerns about the EIA process and the role of ‘third party’ experts. ERM is a major international company which has conducted many EIAs in Myanmar and globally. Registration is necessary. CSOs interested in attending the event should contact MCRB at info@myanmar-responsiblebusiness.org   Email MCRB

Workshop on Safety and Labour in the Telecoms Sector, 7 October   MCRB is facilitating a peer-to-peer meeting for mobile network operators, tier 1 and tier 2 subcontractors to exchange experience and best practice in addressing health and safety, labour, land and community issues (‘offline human rights’) in the rollout of Myanmar’s telecoms network. Contact Inna.Lazareva@myanmar-responsiblebusiness.org for more details   Contact Inna

Currently Recruiting: Programme Manager   MCRB is recruiting for a new position of Programme Manager to assist with the delivery of MCRB’s three year programme and partnerships and future plan, including reporting to donors and communication in English, as well as engagement with the full range of MCRB stakeholders. Deadline for applications 15 September.   Read more

Private Sector involvement in Disaster Relief   The Union of the Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (UMFCCI) and some foreign and Myanmar companies are initiating collaboration with United Nations agencies (OCHA and UNDP) to enhance coordination between UN, NGOs, government and the private sector) when responding to disasters (floods, earthquakes etc). A core working group has been formed to define initial Terms of Reference which might lead to the establishment of a private sector network similar to other countries e.g. Philippines. If your company/foundation is interested in participating, please contact Ms. Aye Aye Khine (pr.umfcci@gmail.com) and Mr. Eyram Dzitrie (dzitrie@un.org).   Email Ms. Aye Aye Khine

© Myanmar Centre for Responsible Business, 15 Shan Yeiktha Street, Sanchaung, Yangon, Myanmar | Tel/Fax +95 1 510069 | info@myanmar-responsiblebusiness.org

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