GB March 2008 (301st session): Developments concerning the question of the observance by the Government of Myanmar of the Forced Labour Convention, 1930 (No. 29) -- For Debate and Guidance

Description: 

The documents contains the texts of the recent agreements with the GOM, Summary review of caseload and a register of cases... Concluding remarks: "As noted in the beginning of this report, the conclusions of the Governing Body mandated the Office to undertake a full review of the operation of the Supplementary Understanding and make recommendations for its future and the ILO?s ongoing role in Myanmar. On the basis of what has been covered in this report, the following remarks would seem warranted. 28. The Office trusts that the Governing Body appreciates the circumstances in which the extension of the trial period of the Supplementary Understanding appeared to be the most viable solution. It is too early to make a definitive pronouncement on the mechanism, given the various questions which have been underlined by the developments recorded by the Liaison Officer and the discussions that the ILO mission held in Nay Pyi Taw and Yangon from 25 to 28 February 2008. Concrete measures are expected on the follow-up of specific cases, on translations and distribution of information material, educational activities and the ways to reach better the population in the country. 29. Forced labour in Myanmar continues to be a serious problem. While a mechanism such as the one introduced by the Supplementary Understanding will not be able on its own to have a major impact on the problem, it demonstrates how, given political will and the necessary legal and administrative safeguards, it can make a difference. 30. In this respect, whatever the shortcomings as regards the content and process for the adoption of a new Constitution, it has the potential of providing the authorities with an opportunity to bring legal clarity to the prohibition of forced labour. Although the Government has not yet made a high-level public statement of the kind that the Governing Body has called for in November 2007, following up a possible future constitutional commitment vigorously, genuinely and transparently would be a significant and concrete expression of the commitment of the authorities to abandoning the still prevalent use of forced labour throughout the country."

Source/publisher: 

International Labour Office (GB.301/6/2)

Date of Publication: 

2008-03-00

Date of entry: 

2008-03-18

Grouping: 

  • Individual Documents

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Language: 

English

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pdf

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701.99 KB