5 June 2025, Geneva — In a landmark decision, the 113th International Labour Conference (ILC) has adopted by consensus the resolution invoking Article 33 of the International Labour Organization (ILO) Constitution concerning Myanmar (Reports of the General Affairs Committee, see pp. 7-9). The ITUC-Asia Pacific welcomes this historic move, which marks only the third time in the ILO’s century-long history that Article 33 has been invoked.
This extraordinary step underscores the unprecedented gravity of the military regime’s ongoing violations of fundamental labour and human rights in Myanmar, and represents a resounding global condemnation of the junta’s systematic repression since its illegal seizure of power in February 2021. It affirms that the actions of the junta, particularly its violent attacks on trade unionists, widespread use of forced labour, and dismantling of civil liberties, constitute egregious breaches of ILO Conventions No. 87 (Freedom of Association) and No. 29 (Forced Labour).
“This is a moment of reckoning,” said Shoya Yoshida, General Secretary of ITUC-AP. “Today’s resolution must mark not the end, but the beginning of a concerted international effort to hold the junta accountable and help rebuild a democratic Myanmar where freedom of association and decent work are fully realised.”
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The resolution calls for the full and effective implementation of the Commission of Inquiry’s recommendations, such as to “immediately cease all forms of violence, torture, and inhumane treatment against trade union leaders” and to “unconditionally release all individuals detained in relation to trade union activities, peaceful demonstrations, or critical expressions of opinion.”
Importantly, the resolution does not target the State of Myanmar or its people, but the military authorities who continue to operate without legitimacy or accountability. It calls upon ILO constituents—governments, employers, and trade unions—to review and take appropriate steps to ensure that their relationships do not, in any way, enable or support the junta’s continued violations. This includes the supply of goods and services, investment flows, or any form of cooperation that could contribute to the perpetuation of repression or forced labour.
In a recorded statement during the plenary of the 113th International Labour Conference, Maung Maung, President of the Confederation of Trade Unions Myanmar (CTUM), addressed delegates on behalf of the workers of Myanmar, the Myanmar Labour Alliance, and the National Unity Government’s tripartite delegation. He urged strong and immediate support for the Article 33 resolution, citing the military regime’s continued defiance of international labour standards and its brutal campaign against workers and civil society.
He said, “This is the second time Myanmar has faced Article 33 measures, reflecting the Myanmar military’s pernicious and pervasive violation of workers’ rights.”
Maung Maung called on the ILO to demand the:
Maung Maung underscored how the military’s repression has forced millions of regular and irregular migrants to flee to Thailand, Malaysia, and other neighbouring countries, causing broader regional instability across ASEAN. He described the daily terror faced by civilians —indiscriminate aerial bombings, forced conscription, shootings, and attacks on schools, hospitals, and places of worship.
He expressed deep gratitude to the ILO constituents, the ITUC, and the Global Union Federations for their tireless support in advancing the resolution, and reiterated CTUM’s commitment to help monitor implementation.
“Myanmar is not breaking up. It is the Myanmar military that is breaking up Myanmar,” Maung Maung declared.
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The ITUC-Asia Pacific reaffirms its solidarity with the working people of Myanmar, vowing continued support for the struggle for the restoration of democracy, human rights, and trade union freedoms.
“This historic decision must be a turning point,” said Shoya Yoshida. “Now, it is up to the international community to match this condemnation with concrete action, not only to isolate the junta but to uplift the voices of Myanmar’s workers and trade unionists who continue to fight for their freedom and democracy.”
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