The International Labour Organization (ILO) has taken an historic stand against Myanmar’s military regime. This month, in Geneva, the ILO announced decisive action under Article 33 in response to severe violations of labour and human rights, including compulsory military conscription. The junta’s breaches of ILO conventions on freedom of association, the right to organise, and prohibitions on forced labour have been met with global condemnation.

At the upcoming International Labour Conference (ILC) in June 2025, the world has a chance to act through ILO Article 33, a powerful measure to hold the junta accountable for forced labour and trade union repression.

The Myanmar military junta has exacerbated the catastrophe after the earthquake. Despite declaring a ceasefire, the military conducted 211 airstrikes across 157 locations and engaged in clashes in at least 86 areas, including against resistance groups claiming ceasefires.

Over 23.5 million people have been displaced, 19.9 million require urgent humanitarian assistance (United Nations) and more than half the population has been plunged into poverty. Amidst this turmoil, the United States has slashed foreign aid, exacerbating an already dire situation and drawing international condemnation.

Reports from Union Aid Abroad-APHEDA's partner organisations indicate the stressful situation on the ground, with young civilians panicking and seeking to leave the country in masses to avoid serving in the military which many of them have protested against.

The Myanmar Campaign Network explains why Australia can take practical steps, following the path paved by the US, UK, EU, to restore democracy in Myanmar.