Forced Labour still rife in Myanmar despite ILO intervention

The International labour Conference’s Committee on Application of Standards has expressed deep concern at the continuing situation of forced labour in Myanmar.  The Committee concluded that the military junta government has failed to implement any of the recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry.

The Committee Chairperson said, “The imposition of force labour continues to be widespread, particularly by the army to which specific instructions should have been issued.”

The situation in Kayin (Karen) State and northern Rakhine (Arakan) state was particularly serious. The Committee strongly urged the Government to take all the necessary measures to give effect to the recommendations of the Commissions of Inquiry.

The Committee noted that although cases of forced labour were reported, action taken against offenders was limited to administrative measure rather than the required criminal penalties.

Earlier this year, the International labour Organisation’s governing body chaired by Labour Minister Membathisi Mdladlana hailed Myanmar for eventually opening its doors to ILO inspectors.

On the disappointing progress made in dealing with the scourge, Minister Mdladlana, said in Geneva today, “It is important to assess the ILO intervention against the ultimate goal of eliminating forced labour.  It remains to be what the impact of this will be particularly in the border areas.”

“The new Liaison Officer needs Myanmar government’s assistance in getting sufficient staff to make any progress,” He added.