Join the ITUC and the ITUC-Asia Pacific in a meeting on Solidarity with Myanmar - Next steps forward during the 112^th International Labour Conference.

Background

The dire human rights situation in Myanmar under the military coup in 2021 has further deteriorated since January as military conflicts between the military junta, resistance groups and armed ethnic organisations have escalated. In February the junta enforced mandatory conscription targeting 14 million youths, including the Rohingyas who have been denied citizenship to fight armed forces opposing its military rule and to act as human shields in the frontline. The developments further exacerbated forced recruitment, arbitrary arrests, abductions and mass displacement of workers, civilians and the Rohingyas to seek refuge under the ethnic armed groups or cross the border to neighbouring countries.

On the third anniversary of the military coup on 1 February, the Council of Global Unions (CGU) discussed a plan of strategies around the released report of the International Labour Organization (ILO) Commission of Inquiry on Myanmar (September 2023) concerning non-observance of ILO Convention No.87 and 29. The CGU is committed to take steps within the ILO to invoke all measures under the ILO Constitution including article 33 to ensure Myanmar’s compliance with the commission’s recommendations. The CGU also pledges to push for the recognition of the National Unity Government (NUG) delegation including to the 112^th International Labour Conference (ILC).

On the third anniversary of the military coup on 1 February, the Council of Global Unions (CGU) discussed a plan of strategies around the released report of the ILO Commission of Inquiry on Myanmar (September 2023) concerning non-observance of ILO Convention No.87 and 29. The CGU is committed to take steps within the ILO to invoke all measures under the ILO Constitution including article 33 to ensure Myanmar’s compliance with the commission’s recommendations. The CGU also pledges to push for the recognition of the National Unity Government (NUG) delegation including to the 112^th ILC.

In follow up of the ILC resolution on Myanmar adopted in 2021 and the COI’s report, the 351^th session and subsequent sessions of the Governing Body will discuss progress of enforcement and measures to secure compliance with the COI’s recommendations.

While the representation of Myanmar remains suspended since the coup, the ITUC and Global Union Federations have facilitated CTUM leaders and organised bilateral meetings with trade unions and governments during the ILC period.

Objectives

In consultation with Confederation of Trade Unions Myanmar (CTUM), the ITUC and ITUC-Asia Pacific are organising a solidarity meeting on Myanmar during the 112^th ILC to build support on the case of Myanmar. The meeting will target a wider audience and open to workers’ delegations attending the ILC.

In this regard, the meeting aims to:

1. Provide updates from workers and the National Unity Government representatives on the latest developments in Myanmar;
2. Share progress on the ITUC and CGU’s strategies and trade unions’ international lobbying; and
3. Extend solidarity with trade unions and the people of Myanmar.

Time and venue

The meeting will be held from 18:00 to 20:30 CET at Room 3, Geneva International Conference Centre (CICG), 17 rue de Varembe, Genf, CH 1211.

Check the location on Google maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZqpmFsqCR55DPfgC8.