The International Labour Conference (ILC) in Geneva, Switzerland, has decided to take action against the Myanmar military council under ILO Article 33, as confirmed by U Wai Hmuu Thwin, Secretary General of the Myanmar Employer Federation (MEF). The decision was made during the 113th International Labour Conference due to the military council’s severe violations of labor and human rights, including forcing youth and workers into military service through conscription laws. The conference unanimously approved the sanctions without requiring a vote, demonstrating strong international consensus on the matter.
During the conference, the Russian representative protested when Myanmar representative U Maung Maung delivered his speech with National Unity Government (NUG) emblems. Additionally, representatives from the military council’s side, including Daw Khine Khine Nwe from UMFCCI, were present at the conference. Although Russia and Belarus attempted to object to the sanctions, the decision was ultimately approved without requiring a formal vote. This marks a significant development in international action against the military council’s human rights violations.
This is the second time Myanmar has faced Article 33 sanctions from the ILO. The first instance occurred in 2000 during Senior General Than Shwe’s military dictatorship, when the country faced severe consequences for widespread forced labor practices. During that period, Myanmar experienced suspension of international investments, exclusion from international trade and financial development programs, and reduced opportunities for cooperation with the ILO. The current sanctions are expected to bring more extensive international punitive measures, including from the European Union and other global entities, marking an escalation in international pressure against the military council’s oppressive actions.
