Under pressure, Harry Winston changes course on #GenocideGems The Campaign for a New Myanmar applauds the announcement today by luxury jeweler Harry Winston that it will stop buying gems that originate from Myanmar (Burma). In a post to its social media, Harry Winston (owned by Swatch) announced today that it “will no longer source gemstones … Read more
Yesterday, all across Myanmar, people took part in a “silent strike” to protest the second anniversary of the military coup. According to Myanmar Now, streets in the city of Yangon were deserted on Wednesday. Though the day was not a public holiday, little activity was seen in the commercial capital. There are reports of people staying … Read more
This week, we are mourning the four democracy activists – Kyaw Min Yu (Ko Jimmy), Phyo Zeyaw Thaw, Hla Myo Aung, and Aung Thura Zaw – killed by the Myanmar military. In the wake of these murders, the U.S. Administration is signaling that “all options are on the table” to hold the military accountable. Let’s … Read more
The Christmas Eve massacre will not be the last unless we act Evidence is emerging that, on Christmas Eve, the Myanmar military massacred more than 30 civilians, including women and children, as part of its offensive in Karen State. It was reported that Burmese army troops rounded up ethnic Karen villagers, fatally shot more than … Read more
Margaret Mead once said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, organized citizens can change the world; indeed it’s the only thing that ever has.” You proved that right last week when you successfully pressed luxury jeweler Harry Winston to stop buying gems from Myanmar. This week, let’s stay focused on the oil companies … Read more
Thursday, December 9, 2021, is World Genocide Day. Friday, December 10, 2021, is World Human rights Day. On Thursday, we plan to march from the US Mission to the UN to the Harry Winston New York City headquarters where we will give them our petitions demanding they stop funding the Myanmar military. On World Human Rights … Read more
The Myanmar military is deploying tens of thousands of troops and heavy weapons to Chin State northern Myanmar. These tactics are ominously reminiscent of those the army employed in its genocidal attacks against the Rohingya in 2016 and 2017. The Chin people cannot wait. In response, U.S. State Department Counselor Derek Chollet urged Singapore to help … Read more
Myanmar produces more than 90% of the world’s rubies and jade, and these stones command the highest prices on the international market. Because it dominates Burma’s gemstone industry, the Myanmar military profits when high-end jewelry retailers – like Harry Winston (owned by Swatch) – buy Burmese gems for their collections. Today, let’s take three actions to … Read more
In a major new report “Jade and Conflict,” Global Witness highlights how the Myanmar military continues to hold tight control of the jade trade and its profits. Since the February military coup, the army has intensified its conflict in jade-mining areas. Myanmar produces more than 90% of the world’s rubies and jade, and these stones command … Read more
This week, Chevron and Total held their annual shareholder meetings in the midst of a barrage of pressure over their payments to the Myanmar military. Many of you joined protests outside Chevron’s offices across the United States. Khin Ohmar of Progressive Voice even moved a shareholder resolution at Chevron’s meeting focusing on Chevron’s support for the … Read more