UN labour agency, Myanmar reach accord to help victims of forced labour

The United Nations labour agency has negotiated a formal understanding with Myanmar for the establishment of a facilitator to assist possible victims of forced labour in the south Asian country.

“I welcome both the Formal Understanding on the Facilitator to assist possible victims in Myanmar to seek remedies available under the relevant legislation and as provided under the Forced Labour Convention No. 29 (1930) and the reaffirmation of your government's commitment to eradicating forced labour, expressed in this Formal Understanding,” the Director-General of the International Labour Organization (ILO), Juan Somavia, said in a statement in Geneva.

Mr. Somavia also reiterated that the ILO Liaison Officer in Yangon, Hông-Trang Perrett-Nguyen "will continue to do her utmost for a successful conclusion of the Plan of Action.” In addition to the formal understanding on the facilitator, such a Plan of Action would comprise a road-building project in a pilot area; alternatives to the use of forced labour; and information and awareness raising.