The ready-to-wear giant Hennes et Mauritz (H&M) announced on Monday to suspend its orders in Burma, shaken by demonstrations violently repressed since a seizure of power on February 1 by the military, and also said it was
"extremely concerned "
the situation.
Read also: Women on the front line of the protests against the Burmese junta
Due to
"practical difficulties and (of) an unpredictable situation which limit our ability to operate in the country (...), we have for the moment interrupted new orders from our suppliers"
, announced Serkan Tanka, responsible for H&M in Burma, in a statement to AFP.
The Swedish giant, present in Burma for 7 years, now has 56 suppliers across the country, according to a spokesperson for the group contacted by the agency.
"We are refraining from taking immediate action regarding our long-term presence in the country,"
said Serkan Tanka.
"Escalation of the situation"
Burma is currently rocked by mass protests against a military coup that overthrew the civilian government of Aung San Suu Kyi.
Military repression has already claimed dozens of lives.
According to Serkan Tanka, H&M is
"extremely concerned by the escalation of the situation (...) and shocked by the use of lethal force against the demonstrators"
.
"We are in dialogue with UN agencies, diplomatic representatives, human rights experts, unions and other multinational companies
,
"
to discuss the situation, explained Serkan Tanka.
"These consultations will guide us in any future decision on how we, as a company, can best contribute to positive developments in accordance with the will of the people of Burma,"
he continued.
