human rights

On December 10th 1948, the United Nations adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), the basic principle being that all people are free and equal with regards to the dignity and rights they are entitled to. Since 1950, December 10th has been declared Human Rights Day. Over sixty years may have passed since the declaration was signed, but basic human rights are still increasingly being abused around the world. 

Burma

There are many oppressive regimes across the world; however, Burma presents a combination of circumstances that make a particularly compelling case for action. The Co-operative Bank has engaged with the issue of Burma since 2000, and has declined to provide financial services to it, or any company with a significant presence in Burma.

In 2009, we supported the UK cinema release of Burma VJ and launched a campaign to Free the VJs (video journalists) who had taken great risks to capture the powerful footage of the Saffron Uprising from 2008, which frames this incredible documentary.

The Co-operative Bank also sponsors the The Burma Play, A Comedy of Terror.

Over the period November 2007 to January 2008, the bank paid £13,000 for adverts in the national media, highlighting the continued oppression of the Burmese people and promoting the Burma Campaign UK (opens in new window).