Tell Chevron To Use Its Influence To Stop the Violence in Burma

Dave OReilly
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Chevron Corporation
6001 Bollinger Canyon Rd.
San Ramon, CA 94583
cc: Board of Directors

Dear Mr. Reilly,

As you know, Chevron Corporation is one of the largest foreign investors in Burma (Myanmar) and the only remaining major U.S. corporation with a significant presence there. As you are also no doubt aware, in recent weeks Burma has seen the largest popular challenge to its military government in 20 years, and the government has begun to crack down on the demonstrators, killing several already. We urgently request that you use your presence in Burma to pressure the military regime to respect human rights, including the rights to freedom of association and freedom of speech, and to refrain from using any further force against peaceful protestors.

In your policy on corporate responsibility you recognize that your presence in the countries in which you operate is not neutral; you clearly state that you condemn human rights abuses; and you clearly state your belief that companies can play a positive role in contributing to the protection and promotion of human rights. If there were ever a time to put this policy into action in Burma, it would be now.

The military government in Burma has resorted to violence against peaceful protestors, including thousands of Buddhist monks, using batons, tear gas, and firing shots into crowds, resulting in at least several deaths and many more injuries. Hundreds of people have been arrested for protesting. The last time that Burma saw major clashes between nonviolent protesters and the military, in 1988, thousands were massacred.

The government of Burma is not only your host, but also your client and your business partner in the Yadana gas pipeline consortium. So long as you remain in Burma, therefore, it is incumbent upon you to use your influence to help prevent mass bloodshed. Please do not stand by as the killing begins again.