Federation of Trade Unions – Burma

International Labor Conference Seeks Urgent Measures to Address Crisis in Irrawady Delta
June 14, 2008
Delegates to the International Labor Conference (ILC) yesterday urged the International Labor Organization (ILO) to undertake urgent new measures to address the persistent and flagrant human rights violations committed by the Burmese military regime against the citizens of Burma.
In a statement released today, the ILC expressed its "deep horror" at the "regime depriving its own citizens of humanitarian assistance required for their very survival following cyclone Nargis in May 2008."
Noting the "tragic history of human and labour rights violations and, in particular, gross breaches of the Conventions on Freedom of Association (No. 87) and Forced Labour (No. 29) by the Government of Burma/Myanmar," the ILC requested that the Governing Body of the ILO approve three emergency measures for Burma. Under the requested measures, the ILO would:

1) Support new ILO programs in the Irrawady delta region;
2) Increase the financial and human resources provided to the ILO office in Burma; and
3) Convene an immediate meeting of ILO and ASEAN leaders to develop reconstruction programs for the Irrawady delta region and to ensure all reconstruction efforts are implemented in accordance with basic human rights and labor rights standards.
Reports from survivors living in the Irrawady delta region provide evidence that the military regime is using forced labor in reconstruction efforts, forcing survivors to work in order to receive humanitarian assistance.

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ThanlwinTel: +66 (0) 865370951