Peaceful demonstrations erupted across Myanmar on March 15-16, as citizens demanded the International Labour Organization (ILO) invoke Article 33 of its constitution and strictly enforce the recommendations outlined in its Commission of Inquiry report.

Earlier this month, hundreds of protesters took to the streets in Hpakant Town, Upper Kachin State, Southern Kayin State, Eastern Shan State, the Sagaing Region, and Yangon’s business district. Holding banners with messages such as "ILO – we need Article 33 to stop forced labour, child soldiers, forced military conscription, and bombing of villages," the demonstrators called for urgent international action against the military regime.

Myanmar’s military junta, which seized power in a violent coup on February 1, 2021, has failed to comply with the ILO’s 2023 Commission of Inquiry recommendations. In response, the Confederation of Trade Unions of Myanmar (CTUM) and the Industrial Workers’ Federation of Myanmar (IWFM) have launched a global campaign urging the ILO to invoke Article 33, which empowers the organization to take measures ensuring compliance with its findings.

The ILO’s Commission of Inquiry report called for the immediate cessation of violence and torture against trade union leaders, the unconditional release of detained trade unionists, the withdrawal of criminal charges against activists, and an end to forced or compulsory labour and military recruitment of civilians, including children.

On March 17, the ILO Governing Body published a follow-up report, highlighting concerns from the National Unity Government (NUG), CTUM, and IndustriALL Global Union over widespread workers' rights violations in Myanmar.

Despite receiving a report from the military junta on January 15, the ILO noted that it lacked concrete actions addressing the Commission’s recommendations. Instead, the junta’s report merely detailed "labour relations, dispute resolution, training, awareness-raising, and inspection activities." The military also extended an invitation for an ILO delegation to visit Myanmar to assess working conditions.

In response, the ILO Governing Body has drafted a decision advocating for the restoration of democracy and fundamental rights in Myanmar. It has recommended that the International Labour Conference consider invoking Article 33 of the ILO Constitution to enforce compliance with the Commission’s findings.

The global labour community continues to push for stronger measures, urging international action to hold Myanmar’s military regime accountable for its ongoing human rights violations.

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