Successful action against Dutch brewing giant in Burma

Unethical investments

In late 1995, The Action Fund became aware of Heineken’s plans to build a brewery in Burma in collaboration with the military junta. Aung San Suu Kyi, the leader of Burma’s largest opposition party and Nobel Peace Prize winner, had called on the international business community to halt investments in the country, stating that they have strengthened the military’ position. In response, The Action Fund and ASEED Europe (Action for Solidarity, Equality, Environment, and Diversity) met with Heineken to announce the campaign and provide them with an opportunity to respond to the facts ahead of time. This conversation suggested that Heineken intended to continue investing, despite sharing The Action Fund’s analysis and not denying its involvement with the military dictatorship. The Action Fund then began its campaign on January 21, 1996. It staged multiple successful actions, including several in front of the Heineken brewery in Amsterdam. This campaign received widespread media coverage, both nationally and regionally.

The Burma Debates

It did not end there; on February 15, 1996,The Action Fund and the Burma Center Nederland hosted a Burma Debate in which politicians from the parties D66, GreenLeft and The Labour Party as well as Christian and liberal conservatives took part. They held discussions with the Netherlands Trade Union Confederation (FNV), Amnesty International, and the Netherlands Center for Trade Development. Heineken’s management was noticeably absent from the debate, having declined the invitation of The Action Fund. The debate ultimately led to the conclusion that most businesses do not comment on the social and political conditions in the countries in which they operate.

A second Burma debate was held six months later, in September 1996, after the European Parliament passed a resolution calling for additional trade measures. This time, The Action Fund and the Burma Center Nederland were successful in gaining additional support. Although Heineken believed they could continue to invest in Burma based on their own standards and values, public pressure forced them to reconsider. Eventually, Heineken folded its arms in June 1996, and The Action Fund saw a significant increase in new donors. The ‘Heineken out of Burma’ campaign was a success.

Solidarity

This case prompted The Action Fund to further investigate the role of international business in perpetuating dictatorial regimes. Following the Heineken appeal, it was critical to keep the Netherlands and Europe focused on Burma. At the end of 1996, The Action Fund and the Burma Center Nederland launched a campaign in support of Burma’s democratization movement, focusing on all European companies seeking to establish and/or maintain trade relations with the country.

This is a movement that we continue to stand in solidarity with. Back in  March 2021, The Action Fund supported protesters who took to the streets against the violent military coup that resulted in the arrest of government leader Aung San Suu Kyi and her associates.

Do you want to join us in writing history? The Action Fund is still looking for new donors in 2025. All donations are welcome!