Myanmar produces more than 90% of the world’s rubies and jade, and these stones command the highest prices on the international market. Because it dominates Burma’s gemstone industry, the Myanmar military profits when high-end jewelry retailers – like Harry Winston (owned by Swatch) – buy Burmese gems for their collections.
Today, let’s take three actions to hold Harry Winston – and its owner Swatch – to account.
Action #1: Share our petition to Harry Winston
Since you’ve already signed our petition to Harry Winston, please share the petition with your friends and family. Use this short link: https://bit.ly/HarryWinston_NoGenocideGems
Action #2: Post on the social media of Harry Winston and Swatch
In addition to signing the petition, follow up by posting messages on the companies’ social media accounts.
Copy the message below and adapt it as you wish. Add it as a comment on posts showcasing jewelry or watches on the Facebook and Instagram pages of Harry Winston and Swatch.
I refuse to buy your brands while Harry Winston (owned by Swatch) buys #GenocideGems from Myanmar that profit the Burmese military and its atrocities against the peoples of Myanmar.
Read the truth about Harry Winston here. https://bit.ly/HarryWinston_NoGenocideGems
Use the links below to the jeweler’s social media.
Don’t neglect to post similar comments on the companies’ LinkedIn page. Join us in telling the companies on their job postings why you would never work for a company that supports the Myanmar military.
Action #3: Make an appointment to protest at your local Harry Winston store
In addition to signing the petition, would you follow up by visiting one of Harry Winston’s stores?
Click on this link to make an appointment at one of Harry Winston’s swanky stores. If you can turn up for the appointment, ask to see the jewelry with rubies. Then explain to the store manager why you would never buy from Harry Winston as long as it buys gems that profit the Myanmar military.
We can and must build our pressure on Myanmar’s military. Your actions have moved your governments to pass tough sanctions and successfully pressed companies, such as Western Union, online jeweler Angara, and Kirin brewery, to end their business partnerships with the Burmese military.
Together, we can build our movement to end the Myanmar military’s corrupt and brutal rule. Thank you so much,
Simon Billenness, Executive Director
For the International Campaign for the Rohingya: Debbie Stothard, Jack Rendler, Simran Stuelpnagel, Michael DeLong, Alyson Chadwick, Hannah Sussman, Mike Haack, and Adem Carroll.
And in the memory of our late co-founder and board chair emeritus, Joseph K. Grieboski.
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Harry Winston item featuring Burmese gems
For Further Reading:
“Jade and Conflict: Myanmar’s Vicious Cycle,” Global Witness, June 2021