A vote for Article 33 is a vote for democracy and for the people of Myanmar
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More than four years after the Myanmar military staged a brutal coup on 1 February 2021, the people of Myanmar continue to suffer under violent repression. The junta has dismantled democracy, crushed trade unions, committed grave human rights violations, and blocked humanitarian aid. Workers and civilians risk their lives every day in their struggle for freedom and democracy.

At the 113th International Labour Conference (ILC) in June 2025, the social partners of the International Labour Organization (ILO) have a critical opportunity — and responsibility — to act. On the table is a resolution invoking Article 33 of the ILO Constitution, the strongest sanction available to the ILO. This mechanism has only been used twice in history. It must now be applied decisively to confront the junta’s systematic non-compliance with international labour standards.

The ITUC Asia-Pacific has launched a series of powerful statements in the past weeks urging governments, employers, and workers’ representatives to take a stand.

Below, we present the four-part statements supporting the campaign of the international trade union movement calling for the adoption of the Article 33 resolution at the ILC.

1. Standing in Solidarity with the People of Myanmar

This foundational statement reaffirms the ITUC Asia-Pacific’s unequivocal support for the people of Myanmar and the democratic trade union movement. It underscores the ILO’s responsibility to act and calls for the adoption of the Article 33 resolution to hold the junta accountable for its widespread violations of freedom of association and the use of forced labour.

2. Hope Under Siege: The Urgent Case of Invoking Article 33 in Myanmar

This opinion piece presents a reflective yet compelling case for urgent action, explaining how Article 33 is a moral, legal, and institutional imperative — and the only path left to uphold the ILO’s values and the rights and aspirations of the people of Myanmar.

3. Why Democracy in Myanmar Demands an Article 33 Resolution – Not Technical Cooperation

This critical piece rejects superficial solutions like technical cooperation, arguing that they legitimise the junta and delay justice. It outlines how the resolution went through a rigorous process under ILO’s existing supervisory mechanisms and why only an Article 33 resolution can effectively confront the gravity of Myanmar’s violations and support its democratic movement.

4. Myanmar at the Crossroads: A Vote for Article 33 is a Vote for Democracy

In this final, in-depth article, the ITUC Asia-Pacific provides both a stark account of Myanmar’s current crisis and a clear roadmap for action. It features:

A brief overview of the junta’s seizure of power and continuing repression.
Voices from Myanmar’s legitimate tripartite representatives of the National Unity Government (NUG), calling for global solidarity and urgent action.
A powerful message from Brother Maung Maung, President of Confederation of Trade Unions Myanmar, urging ILC delegates to act with conscience and courage.
A resounding call to action to all delegates of the ILC: adopt the Article 33 resolution, reject the junta’s credentials, and stand on the right side of history.

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Let the people of Myanmar know: The international trade union movement stands with them

As the 113th ILC convenes, we call on all delegates — governments, employers, and workers’ representatives — to:

Adopt the Article 33 resolution.
Reject the junta’s credentials and recognise the NUG’s legitimate representatives.
Denounce the junta’s sham elections.
Support the restoration of democracy and protection of workers’ rights in Myanmar.