Total in Burma : the yadana pipeline project

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Presentation by Total of the Yadana gas development project and the supporting Socio-Economic Program in Burma. Total also responds to criticism of its presence in a country whose military regime shows little concern for human rights and where forced labor has not been eradicated.

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	The Socio-Economic Program



	Protection of Human Rights



	Local Socio-Economic Initiatives



	National Socio-Economic Initiatives



	A Positive Impact on the Country



			Total's Ethical Guidelines
				(PDF 33Ko)


	Protection of Human Rights

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Charter of the International Labour Organization are fundamental benchmarks underpinning Total's Code of Conduct. Moreover, the Group has always clearly maintained that it would not do business in a country where it could not comply with its principles and ensure that its subcontractors also observed them. Total has invested in Myanmar and continues to operate the Yadana project because it believes that these requirements are being met there. In the particular context of Myanmar, ensuring that these conditions are met requires vigilance and commitment. From the outset, therefore, Total has taken all the precautions that seemed necessary, including:

Defining a Code of Conduct drafted specially for the project, attached as an integral part of the subcontractor agreements.

Applying very specific employment guidelines for salaried employees, including written contracts, a physical examination, minimum wages and proportional employment targets for neighboring villagers.

Establishing numerous communication channels with the villagers to ensure effective information about the situation in the field and immediate intervention in case of a problem between villagers and the Army.

Taking a very firm stance, relayed by its local partner MOGE, against forced labor in the pipeline region.

From the moment that Total decided to operate in Myanmar, the Group had to do so without compromising its principles, while effectively ensuring that they would be enforced. The results achieved through critical dialogue with the government have created a region where economic development and respect for human rights coexist. Total has no doubt that the right choice was not to refrain from involvement or to withdraw to preserve its reputation, but to be engaged and work for the welfare and protection of the population. The experience gained in Myanmar has made Total more aware of the positive impact it can have on social progress in the regions where it operates.

The same issue arises for many multinational corporations, in particular those active in the extraction industries, because geological distribution of resources often means that they operate in countries affected by strong tensions. These tensions may be aggravated by the companies' presence because of the wealth and envy that they generate. Engagement in such countries involves taking a risk that could adversely affect corporate image. A responsible multinational has to reconcile its contribution to economic development with the progress of human rights where it operates, while refraining from interfering in local politics.