ILO asks Myanmar to take steps to end forced labour
The Zoland Times
New York: The UN labour agency has asked
Myanmar to take "tangible and verifiable" measures within the next few months to stop forced labour or face the prospect of further action.
At the end of its session last week, the 95th Conference of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) demanded the release of any person imprisoned following contacts with the the UN labour agency and an end to prosecutions currently underway by the end of July.
It also sought an agreement between Myanmar and the ILO by the end of October on a credible
mechanism for dealing with
complaints of forced labour with all necessary guarantees for the protection of complainants.
During its November session, the ILO Governing Body will examine whether these measures have been taken and will have full authority to decide on the appropriate course of action.
During the Conference, Myanmar expressed a willingness to cooperate with the ILO and released human rights activist Su Su Nwe from detention. New was imprisoned last year after she prosecuted government officials for imposing forced labour.
ILO took note of information from the Ambassador of Myanmar that his Government would put a six-month moratorium on prosecutions of complainants on an experimental basis. As an interim measure, the complaints of forced labour would be handled by the Director-General of the country's Labour Department together with the ILO Liaison Officer.
The authorities now need to immediately enter into talks with the ILO, with a view to establishing as soon as possible a credible mechanism for dealing with complaints of forced labour, the Committee said.
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