Workers rights violation in Myanmar: US
NEW YORK: The US Labour Department has criticised Myanmar's labour practices
and asserted that child labour and forced relocation are still widespread
and freedom of association and free collective bargaining are virtually
non-existent in that country.
"The worker abuses in Burma (Myanmar) are symptomatic of the current
regime's gross disregard for human rights," Secretary of Labour Alexis
Herman said. "This latest report on labour practices in Burma reinforces our
position that the international community must continue to push for a
democratic transition in that country."
In June 1999, President Bill Clinton noted in his address before the
International Labour Organisation (ILO) that Myanmar stands in defiance of
the ILO's most fundamental values and most serious findings.
Herman promised to continue urging ILO to keep Myanmar as a priority item on
its agenda for action. "Likewise, I will recommend that the
overallinternational community maintain a similar focus on Burma," he said.
The Labour Department's Bureau of International Labour Affairs prepared the
update, '2000 Report on Labour Practices in Burma', at the behest of the US
Congress.
The report noted that forced labour is used with impunity and apparently on
a widespread basis on such work as construction of roads, dykes, canals,
land development, infrastructure to support tourism, in military operations
and for commercial ventures of the military.
It found that a large number of villagers, particularly ethnic minorities,
are subject to forced relocation, which seems to go hand in hand with forced
labour. It said the Myanmar government has failed to change laws or
practices to guarantee freedom of association and collective bargaining.
The ILO's Governing Body is scheduled to consider recommendations for action
against Myanmar in the week beginning on March 27. The recommendations will
be submitted to the full ILO for action in June. (India Abroad News Service)
For reprint rights: Times Syndication Service
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