York University - Burma Divestment

To:  York Foundation and Endowment Fund

We, the undersigned, are students of York University concerned about the investments held by the York Foundation and the York University Endowment Fund of corporations currently operating in Burma (Myanmar). Amongst many human rights violations, Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have reported that the Burmese government forcibly recruits children, some as young as age 10, into its armed forces. In the midst of current repression, the Burmese people, and in particular the All-Burmese Monks’ Alliance, released a statement on November 17th stating their continued boycott of the military regime, and have urged the public to join them.

Whereas York has stated in its mission statement a commitment to “global concerns” and “social justice”;
Whereas the York University Foundation seeks to “…[enhance] the reputation of the university… [and be] accountable to our stakeholders with the utmost professional and ethical standards.”;
Whereas SHARE and Innovest have flagged the financial, legal and reputational risk inherent in investing in Burma,

We, the students:

Urge the York Foundation and York Endowment Fund to respond to the calls of the Burmese people, and divest from corporations who are doing business with Burma.

Sincerely,

The Undersigned

The York University - Burma Divestment Petition to York Foundation and Endowment Fund was created by and written by Simon Granovsky-Larsen (simongl@yorku.ca).  This petition is hosted here at www.PetitionOnline.com as a public service. There is no endorsement of this petition, express or implied, by Artifice, Inc. or our sponsors. For technical support please use our simple Petition Help form.