Burma: Despite Progress, Too Soon for Major Reform of Sanctions

While change is taking place in Burma, the ITUC has expressed serious concerns that governments may prematurely remove sanctions on the country before there is evidence of real progress on labour rights, human rights and the rule of law.

Ending sanctions now, before necessary reforms are in place, could jeopardize the hopes of Burmese people for a better future. Further, new international investment in the absence of rule of law and public accountability will not support Burma’s long-term economic and social development but likely contribute to continued human rights violations.

“Some important steps have been taken in Burma, but forced labour and other gross human rights violations continue apace. The interests of the Burmese people must take precedence over the interests of global business. The international community must support and encourage reform, and only remove sanctions when there is real and measurable progress on democracy, workers’ rights and the rule of law.” said ITUC General Secretary Sharan Burrow.