Japan's Kirin orders probe of Myanmar beer joint ventures linked to military

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The United Nations earlier identified the owners of Kirin’s local partner, Myanmar Economic Holdings Public Company (MEHL), as members of the Myanmar military, which has been accused of genocide and other war crimes against the Rohingya Muslim minority.

“We consider this to be a matter of utmost urgency. Respect for human rights is the foundation of all business activities in the Kirin Group,” the company said in a press release.

Deloitte Tohmatsu Financial Advisory will conduct the investigation of Myanmar Brewery Limited and Mandalay Brewery Limited.

Kirin, however, said it was not planning to exit the country and would explore its ownership options.

Kirin said it had decided to seek the independent investigation after MEHL failed to provide information requested by the Japanese company during an internal governance check which began in February.