AFRY has announced its decision to end its involvement in hydropower projects in Myanmar. The company cited the worsening human rights situation in the country and an enhanced human rights due diligence process as reasons for its decision.
AFRY has been present in Myanmar for over two decades, working on several hydropower projects aimed at promoting clean and stable energy systems in the country. However, following the publication of a United Nations report on the situation of human rights in Myanmar since February 2022, the company re-evaluated its engagement in the country. The report concluded that the human rights situation had deteriorated over the past year and recommended that any engagement in Myanmar undergo an enhanced human rights due diligence process.
"Due to the negative development in Myanmar with deteriorating human rights situation and on the back of an enhanced human rights due diligence process, AFRY has decided to end its commitment in hydropower projects in Myanmar," the company said in a press release.
AFRY is currently involved in three hydropower projects in Myanmar, one of which is active. The contracts were signed before the military coup in February 2021, and the company has not signed any additional contracts since then. The company evaluated its presence in the country, international sanctions, the client with regards to the military regime, safety of its employees, and the environmental and social impact relating to the ongoing projects.
"Our conclusion is that AFRY has not contributed to any violations of human rights, we have ensured stronger safeguards for the environment through our engineering competence, and the hydropower projects have contributed to a cleaner energy system.
"We have evaluated our presence in the country, and we have come to the conclusion that due to the negative development in Myanmar, we will end our assignments at the latest by the end of this year," the company said.
