NAY PYI TAW, June 6, 2025 —The State Administration Council (SAC) of Myanmar has publicly dismissed the significance of the International Labour Organization (ILO)’s decision to invoke Article 33 against Myanmar, stating that local businesses, employers, and workers should continue operations "peacefully and without concern."

The response comes after the ILO’s 113th International Labour Conference, held on June 5, 2025, where the organization officially adopted Article 33 measures against Myanmar for failing to implement recommendations from a previous Commission of Inquiry regarding forced labour and trade union suppression.

“The ILO’s decision is politically motivated and intended to pressure Myanmar’s sovereignty,” the Ministry of Labour of Myanmar stated. “It will not have any direct impact on domestic employers, workers, or the country’s economic operations.”

According to the ministry's statement, the ILO resolution was influenced by one-sided demands aimed at applying international pressure through institutional channels. It rejected the legitimacy of the resolution, framing it as a political tool rather than a genuine labour-related action.

Despite the ILO’s move, the ministry emphasized that Myanmar will continue cooperating with international organizations, including the ILO, to support the development of labour rights, employment opportunities, and social welfare—provided that such cooperation does not infringe upon Myanmar’s sovereignty and independence.

The ministry reiterated its commitment to improving labour conditions under national laws and to engaging with global partners while safeguarding national interests.

Under Article 33 of the ILO Constitution, if a member state fails to comply with the recommendations of a Commission of Inquiry under Article 26, the ILO’s Governing Body may recommend collective action through the International Labour Conference to compel compliance.

This marks the second time in history that Article 33 has been invoked against Myanmar, following a similar action in 2000 for forced labour violations.

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