Resolution adopted by the Conference on the subject of Myanmar

TO ALL MEMBER STATES OF THE ILO

TUR 1-167 18 July 2025

Dear Minister,

I am writing to inform you that under an item specifically placed on its agenda and in accordance with article 33 of the ILO Constitution, the International Labour Conference adopted at its 113th Session (June 2025) a resolution foreseeing measures aimed at securing compliance by Myanmar with the recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry (2023) established to examine the non-observance by Myanmar of the Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise Convention, 1948 (No. 87) and the Forced Labour Convention, 1930 (No. 29).

I wish to bring to your kind attention, in particular, subparagraphs (a)-(e) of operative paragraph 2 of the resolution, which invite the Organization’s constituents – governments, employers and workers – to:

(a) engage, at the national, regional and international level, with a view to coordinating comprehensive and strategic action to contribute to the implementation of the Commission of Inquiry’s recommendations, including all steps that can support the creation of a climate that promotes freedom of association and the elimination of all forms of forced labour in the country;

(b) enable continuing support for activities that benefit directly the Myanmar people and their communities and, in particular, through independent and confidential monitoring and reporting systems that provide avenues for complaints of violations to be rapidly and effectively addressed to ensure accountability where freedom of association and forced labour violations occur;

(c) review, in the light of the conclusions of the Commission of Inquiry, the relations they may have with Myanmar military authorities and take appropriate measures to ensure that such relations in no way enable, facilitate or prolong the violations of workers’ rights in respect of freedom of association and forced labour. In particular, any relations that may contribute or enable the perpetuation of ongoing harm or violence or acts of repression and intimidation of workers and employers peacefully exercising their fundamental rights through the support or supply of military equipment or means, including jet fuel, or the free flow of funds to the military authorities, should be comprehensively reviewed with the aim to disable all means that have abetted or empowered the perpetuation of the above-mentioned egregious violations;

(d) ensure that the principle of non-refoulement is respected in line with international law, given that trade union and human rights defenders fleeing Myanmar are at serious risk of irreparable harm, including persecution, ill-treatment and other grave human rights violations;

2.

(e) report to the Director-General on any initiatives or steps taken, or other relevant developments, for transmission to the Governing Body.

In order to enable me to prepare a report for the consideration of the Governing Body at its 355th Session (November 2025), I would appreciate receiving information on any initiatives or steps taken or envisaged by your Government in this respect no later than 1 October 2025.

May I also request that you bring these considerations to the attention of the employers’ and workers’ organizations of your country so that they may take the relevant measures and inform me either directly or through your Government.

Furthermore, although subparagraphs (c) and (g) of paragraph 3 of the resolution refer to international organizations and other relevant regional bodies, they also require your attention since your country may be represented in these institutions. Where appropriate, kindly communicate the information concerning this resolution to your Government’s representatives to these institutions.

Thank you in advance for your urgent attention to the contents of this letter.

Yours sincerely,

Gilbert F. Houngbo Director-General

TO ALL MEMBER STATES OF THE ILO

TUR 1-167 18 July 2025

Dear Minister,

I am writing to inform you that under an item specifically placed on its agenda and in accordance with article 33 of the ILO Constitution, the International Labour Conference adopted at its 113th Session (June 2025) a resolution foreseeing measures aimed at securing compliance by Myanmar with the recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry (2023) established to examine the non-observance by Myanmar of the Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise Convention, 1948 (No. 87) and the Forced Labour Convention, 1930 (No. 29).

I wish to bring to your kind attention, in particular, subparagraphs (a)-(e) of operative paragraph 2 of the resolution, which invite the Organization’s constituents – governments, employers and workers – to:

(a) engage, at the national, regional and international level, with a view to coordinating comprehensive and strategic action to contribute to the implementation of the Commission of Inquiry’s recommendations, including all steps that can support the creation of a climate that promotes freedom of association and the elimination of all forms of forced labour in the country;

(b) enable continuing support for activities that benefit directly the Myanmar people and their communities and, in particular, through independent and confidential monitoring and reporting systems that provide avenues for complaints of violations to be rapidly and effectively addressed to ensure accountability where freedom of association and forced labour violations occur;

(c) review, in the light of the conclusions of the Commission of Inquiry, the relations they may have with Myanmar military authorities and take appropriate measures to ensure that such relations in no way enable, facilitate or prolong the violations of workers’ rights in respect of freedom of association and forced labour. In particular, any relations that may contribute or enable the perpetuation of ongoing harm or violence or acts of repression and intimidation of workers and employers peacefully exercising their fundamental rights through the support or supply of military equipment or means, including jet fuel, or the free flow of funds to the military authorities, should be comprehensively reviewed with the aim to disable all means that have abetted or empowered the perpetuation of the above-mentioned egregious violations;

(d) ensure that the principle of non-refoulement is respected in line with international law, given that trade union and human rights defenders fleeing Myanmar are at serious risk of irreparable harm, including persecution, ill-treatment and other grave human rights violations;

2.

(e) report to the Director-General on any initiatives or steps taken, or other relevant developments, for transmission to the Governing Body.

In order to enable me to prepare a report for the consideration of the Governing Body at its 355th Session (November 2025), I would appreciate receiving information on any initiatives or steps taken or envisaged by your Government in this respect no later than 1 October 2025.

May I also request that you bring these considerations to the attention of the employers’ and workers’ organizations of your country so that they may take the relevant measures and inform me either directly or through your Government.

Furthermore, although subparagraphs (c) and (g) of paragraph 3 of the resolution refer to international organizations and other relevant regional bodies, they also require your attention since your country may be represented in these institutions. Where appropriate, kindly communicate the information concerning this resolution to your Government’s representatives to these institutions.

Thank you in advance for your urgent attention to the contents of this letter.

Yours sincerely,

Gilbert F. Houngbo Director-General