"Myanmar: Historic decision to hold junta accountable a ‘victory for justice, workers’ rights and international solidarity’", 5 June 2025

Adopted by consensus at the 113th Session of the International Labour Conference, it is only the third time in the ILO’s history that Article 33 has been triggered.

Invoking the article is the gravest measure available in the ILO framework. The resolution urges ILO governments, companies and unions worldwide to ensure that their actions do not enable the junta’s continued repression. This includes by reviewing investments, supply chains and cooperation that may indirectly support the regime, as well as supply of weapons, jet fuel and financial flow to the military junta.

It calls for the unconditional release of all individuals detained for trade union activity and an end to attacks on civil society.

This extraordinary measure follows years of escalating violence and repression since the military coup in 2021, including:

• The imprisonment of 69 trade unionists.
• Ongoing attacks on workers and civilians, including aerial bombing and forced conscription.
• The displacement of two million people and more than 3,700 deaths following the March 2025 earthquake, with credible reports of the junta obstructing life-saving humanitarian aid.

[...]

“We demand real political, economic and diplomatic pressure on the junta to restore rights, release all detained unionists, and end forced labour and terror. The workers of Myanmar have shown extraordinary courage, we stand in full solidarity with the Confederation of Trade Unions Myanmar (CTUM). Now the global community must match words with action to defend freedom, democracy and dignity for Myanmar’s working people.”

[ITUC General Secretary Luc Triangle]