Burma has opened its doors to international inspectors to probe forced labour, South African Labour Minister Membathisi Mdladlana told the International Labour Organisation in Geneva on Wednesday.
Mdladlana told the organisation’s governing body, which he chairs, that years of delicate behind-the-scenes diplomacy had finally paid off.
”Progress has been made in connection with the ILO resolution on Myanmar adopted during the International Labour Conference in 2000,” he said in a speech received in Johannesburg.
Burmese opposition groups continue to use the name Burma since they do not recognise the legitimacy of the ruling military government nor its authority to rename the country.
The resolution called on Burma to conclude an agreement with the ILO on a mechanism to deal with complaints of forced labour.
It also underscored the fact that ”any move to prosecute complainants would be a violation of ILO conventions”.
As part of the campaign against Burma, the organisation sought advice from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to prohibit forced labour.
This followed Burma’s earlier claim of their right to prosecute individuals who allegedly lodged false complaints of forced labour.
While commending the Burmese authorities, Mdladlana said the question remained if the ”letter and spirit” of the agreement would be implemented.
”The Myanmar authorities must, and we underline must, take us forward on this matter and end forced labour in the country immediately.”
Mdladlana said the South African Bill of Rights stated that ”no one may be subjected to slavery, servitude or forced labour”.
”The issue of protection against forced labour is therefore a constitutional imperative for South Africa. It is this principle that makes us to believe that the ILO is the most suitable structure to deal with such issues.”
The session also welcomed the signing of an agreement between the ILO and the Burmese government that established a mechanism through which victims of forced labour could seek redress.
The meeting also acknowledged that as part of confidence building, authorities had started to act against those responsible for forced labour.
The governing body agreed to consult all constituents before seeking advice from the ICJ. – Sapa