On May 25, a public protest movement was led by the Letpadaung Region People’s Strike in opposition to the military dictatorship. Protesters carried signs reading ‘Vote ILO Article 33 to save LIVES’ while chanting anti-dictatorship slogans alongside local residents. The demonstration brought together civilians and protest leaders in a unified show of resistance against the military regime’s ongoing oppression.
The Letpadaung region has long been known for human rights violations, land confiscation issues, and environmental concerns even before the military coup. Under the current military council’s rule, local residents face increasingly difficult circumstances. The community has been actively working to protect their rights and seek international intervention. The protest specifically focused on calling for the implementation of Article 33 of the International Labour Organization (ILO), which provides mechanisms for taking action against countries that severely violate labor rights.
The protesters’ call for ILO Article 33 implementation is particularly significant given the current situation in Myanmar, where forced labor, child labor, and other labor rights violations have become increasingly prevalent under military rule. The demonstration represents a crucial effort by local communities to draw international attention to their plight and seek concrete action against the military council through established international mechanisms. The protest movement continues to emphasize the urgent need for intervention to protect civilian lives and rights in the face of ongoing military oppression.
