PEFC statement on the current situation in Myanmar

9 February 2021 News

At PEFC, we are extremely concerned about the recent developments in Myanmar. In response, we are seeking assurances from the Myanmar Forest Certification Committee (MFCC - the national member for PEFC in Myanmar) and the one PEFC chain of custody certified company in the country that the rights of workers and trade unions are not being infringed.

We also seeking assurances that the revenues of the certified forestry industry are not being used to finance human rights violations in Myanmar. 

It is of the utmost importance to us that none of the safeguards of sustainable forest management and chain of custody certification are violated in these challenging times. The Secretary General and the PEFC International Board continue to monitor the situation and will not hesitate to take due action as required. 

We have been working with stakeholders in Myanmar for several years, supporting the country as it moves towards the sustainable management of its forest resources to advance equitable and sustainable development.

MFCC is in the process of developing its national forest certification system, in line with PEFC requirements. As this national system is not yet endorsed by PEFC, there are currently no PEFC sustainable forest management certificates in the country.

Most recent update: treee.es/MMsuspended