To encourage responsible investment and create an enabling environment for responsible business conduct within the SEZ, it was considered essential to develop a suite of policies for the SEZ that would promote sustainable development in terms of social, labour and human rights.
Environmental, Health, Safety & Security, Social & Communities, Human Resources & Recruitment Policies have been drafted for the SEZ in accordance with the United Nations (UN) Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs).
In August 2015, the Thilawa SEZ Management Committee (TSMC) issued Notice No. 04/2015 Notice to Ensure the Responsible Investment in the Thilawa SEZ.
This notice can be accessed here:
http://www.myanmarthilawa.gov.mm/sites/default/files/Responsible%20business.pdf
In May 2016, the TSMC issued a Notice to Investors or tenants regarding the Anti-Corruption Declaration.
This notice can be accessed here:
http://www.myanmarthilawa.gov.mm/sites/default/files/Notice1_2016_Anti-corruption.pdf
Other guidance is currently under development for: Myanmar labour law; environmental protection and management; and stakeholder and community engagement, complaints and grievances.
To Share Experience on Land Acquisition, Resettlement, Income Restoration Program
The Thilawa SEZ project is the first project in Myanmar in conducting the relocation and resettlement of Project Affected Persons (PAPs) according to the international standard.
It was the first experience for Myanmar so it was a learning process. The experience of developing and implementing a resettlement work plan in accordance with the guidelines for environmental and social considerations of The Japan International Cooperation Agency(JICA) and the World Bank’s environment and social safeguard policy is invaluable .
Hence, it was needed to share our experience on Land Acquisition, Resettlement and Income Restoration Program with Myanmar through seminars and other opportunities.
Seminar on Good Practice
The Seminar on Good Practice Approaches to Land Acquisition & Resettlement was conducted by Thilawa Special Economic Zone Management Committee (TSMC), a main organizer, in collaboration with co-organizers of JICA and MCRB on 5th December, 2016.
Another Seminar on Good Practice Social Considerations for Public and Private Developments was held by JICA as a main organizer on 26th and 27th July, 2017.
Participants
Thilawa SEZ Management Comittee(TSMC)
Myanmar Centre for Responsible Business(MCRB)
The Japan International Cooperation Agency(JICA)
Ministry of Construction(MoC)
Myanmar Japan Thilawa Development(MJTD)
Dawei SEZ
Myanmar Post and Telecommunication(MPT)
Myanma Railway