The International Labor Organization (ILO) says it will take action against Myanmar’s regime for severe labor, human rights violations and forced conscription.
The civilian National Unity Government (NUG) says the junta had breached the ILO convention on freedom of association, the right to organize and prohibitions on forced labor.
The NUG said the action was the result of advocacy by labor rights activists from its workers’, employers and labour ministry delegation, who had lobbied the ILO.
Russia, Belarus, Laos and China opposed the ILO action but an overwhelming majority of international employer and worker delegates and other economic representatives supported the resolution during the International Labor Conference in Geneva on Thursday, said the NUG.
Since June 2021, the ILO’s governing body has urged the regime to cease violence, torture and other inhumane treatment of trade union members, to free trade unionists detained for exercising their civil liberties and union activities and to restore rights suspended since the coup.
The international labor watchdog also urged the regime to end forced labor by the armed forces and conscription.
The ILO said in November last year that the regime had failed to adhere to its June 2021 resolution and 2023 recommendations.
The regime continues to enforce the Conscription Law enacted in February last year and has banned eligible adults from leaving the country.
Under Article 33 of the ILO Constitution, the governing body can recommend various actions to the International Labour Conference when a member state fails to implement recommendations from a Commission of Inquiry or the International Court of Justice.
For Myanmar, the resolution does not target the state of Myanmar or its people, but the military regime, which continues to operate without legitimacy or accountability.
International Trade Union Confederation-Asia Pacific said the resolution calls upon ILO constituents—governments, employers and trade unions—to review and take appropriate steps to ensure that their relationships do not, in any way, enable or support the junta’s continued violations. This includes the supply of goods and services, investment flows, or any form of cooperation that could contribute to the perpetuation of repression or forced labor.
The NUG said the ILO’s decision is a victory for the people of Myanmar, who have suffered years of oppression.
It said the ILO ruling showed the international community was not ignoring Myanmar’s suffering.
Luc Triangle, general secretary of the International Trade Union Confederation, said: “To the workers, imprisoned trade unionists and people in Myanmar, this historic decision is a victory for justice, workers’ rights and international solidarity. It must now be followed up by action.”
The Belgian activist demanded economic and diplomatic pressure on the junta to restore rights, release detained unionists and end forced labor and terror.
“The global community must match words with action to defend freedom, democracy and dignity for Myanmar’s working people,” Triangle said.
The regime’s labor ministry on Friday said it was a politically motivated decision that would not affect employers, workers, or businesses in Myanmar.
It promised to continue to cooperate with the international community, including the ILO, without compromising national sovereignty and independence, to promote workers’ rights, social development and job opportunities.
In 2000, the ILO imposed sanctions against Than Shwe’s military dictatorship under Article 33 and labeled his regime a terrorist organization.
Editor’s note: This story was updated on June 17. The previous version of the story misstated the nature of Article 33.
