June 8, 2024
During the International Labor Conference, Ms. Nice S. Coronacion, a representative from the Philippine Labor Federation SENTRO, called for the recognition of the National Unity Government (NUG) as the official government of Myanmar and urged action against the Myanmar military in accordance with international labor laws.
The 112th International Labor Conference (ILC) is currently taking place in Geneva, Switzerland, from June 3 to June 14. On June 6, during the ILC session, Ms. Coronacion presented the call for recognition of the NUG as the legitimate government of Myanmar.
“We cannot tolerate the ongoing violence against workers, activists, and civilians by the military junta. We demand the recognition of the National Unity Government (NUG) as the official government of Myanmar and urge the International Labour Organization (ILO) to demonstrate its commitments to human rights and labor rights by taking necessary actions under NUG’s jurisdiction,” stated Ms. Coronacion. “According to Article 33 of the ILO Constitution, we urge action against the military junta and call on the ILO to accelerate the implementation of recommendations made by the Commission of Inquiry on Myanmar (COI).”
It has been reported that in March 2022, the ILO formed an inquiry commission to investigate violations of basic labor rights and human rights in Myanmar, especially concerning the ILO conventions on the freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining (Convention No. 87, 1948) and the abolition of forced labor (Convention No. 29, 1930).
“The movements of labor unions are based on solidarity. As the saying goes in the Philippines, ‘If there is pain in one part of the body, the whole body suffers.’ We advocate for the collective interests of workers, regardless of ethnicity or religion. We are all worried about our brothers and sisters in Myanmar and stand united in solidarity,” Ms. Coronacion emphasized.
It is also noted that representatives from the National Unity Government, employers, and workers are attending the ongoing 112th International Labor Conference (ILC).
