ITUC and ETUC on EU Common Decision on Burma Sanctions

On April 23rd, the EU agreed to suspend sanctions (“restrictive measures”) on Burma for one year. We agree that important steps have been made, and are relieved that the EU did not lift sanctions outright, which in our view would have been a serious mistake that could have undercut further, necessary reforms.

The International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) and European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) believe that much work remains to be done. Indeed, Burma is only now at the beginning of a long path towards the establishment of democracy and human rights. The EU must use its leverage to encourage the additional steps it has identified, including the unconditional release of remaining political prisoners and the end of armed conflict with ethnic groups, over the coming year. The ITUC has also called for several reforms that must be undertaken before sanctions should be fully lifted by any government.

We continue to be alarmed by the on-going human rights violations in Burma, including the rights of workers, which continue at alarming levels. Forced labour remains a serious problem despite recent legal reforms and few of those persons responsible for exacting forced labour have faced criminal sanction. Thus, we strongly believe that the reinstatement of EU GSP (Generalised System of Preferences) is not warranted at this time. And, while a new law on trade unions was enacted and entered into force in March 2012, of the several unions which are supported by the ITUC and its affiliate the FTUB, and which have applied for registration, none have been registered by the authorities.

We appreciate that the EU Common Decision recognizes the importance of responsible and accountable investment in Burma following the suspension of sanctions. We agree. However, we urge the EU to do more than merely promote guidelines and principles. As we have seen, voluntary initiatives alone have proven to be highly ineffective tools and would be reckless in the case of Burma. The ITUC and ETUC strongly believe that governments must require those doing business in Burma to uphold human rights standards.

Thus, in light of the country’s still high level of corruption and poor record on human rights, we propose binding requirements to assess and remedy any negative human rights impact from investments; public reporting; and the creation of effective complaints and dispute-settlement instruments, among others. These measures are absolutely necessary to ensure that any new trade and investment do not contribute to the country’s problems.

For more information, please contact the ITUC Press Department on: +32 2 224 0204 or +32 476 62 10 18