The International Labor Organization (ILO) has decided to initiate actions against Myanmar's military junta over severe labor rights violations, including forced recruitment. This decision was made under Article 33 of the ILO Constitution during its Governing Body session held in Geneva from October 28 to November 7. Article 33 allows for measures such as economic sanctions and international legal actions against member states that do not comply with ILO recommendations.

The decision comes after the junta failed to meet the conditions of a 2021 ILO resolution and subsequent 2023 recommendations from the ILO’s Commission of Inquiry. The recommendations included calls for the cessation of violence, torture, and inhumane treatment of trade union leaders, the release of detained unionists, and the protection of basic civil liberties suspended since the 2021 coup.

The ILO will further discuss a draft resolution on possible measures against Myanmar in its upcoming session in March 2025, with a final decision expected at the ILO Conference in June. Labor rights activists have advocated for invoking Article 33, which could result in suspensions of aid, economic sanctions, diplomatic non-recognition, and even international legal proceedings against military leaders.

Previously, in 2000, the ILO had imposed sanctions on Myanmar under Article 33 against the regime led by Than Shwe, branding it a terrorist entity. This historical precedent highlights the potential severity of the upcoming actions if the Myanmar junta remains non-compliant.
 

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