Statement by the Tripartite Body of the National Unity Government

1. The tripartite body, comprising representatives of the government, employers, and workers, and led by the Ministry of Labour under the National Unity Government (NUG), has been established in line with the Constitution and Conventions of the International Labour Organization (ILO). Its mission is to promote fundamental labour rights, social dialogue, foster industrial relations, and uphold international labour standards. In the aftermath of the military coup on February 1, 2021, which saw the unlawful seizure of Myanmar’s sovereignty, this body is making dedicated efforts to restore the basic rights stripped from the people of Myanmar, including workers both domestically and abroad. It seeks to hold the military regime accountable for its ongoing human rights violations through effective international measures, including those by the ILO. And it aims to secure ILO recognition of the NUG’s tripartite delegation, paving the way for the NUG to be acknowledged as Myanmar’s legitimate government and advancing the establishment of a Federal Democratic Union.

2. We, the tripartite body, welcome the decision of the 352nd session of the ILO Governing Body(1) to suspend technical assistance and cooperation with the military regime and to take measures under Article 33 of the ILO Constitution, as a result of the regime’s ongoing failure to comply with the conclusions of the 109th International Labour Conference in 2021, which called for the restoration of democracy and respect for fundamental rights in Myanmar, as well as the recommendations of the ILO Commission of Inquiry (COI) report submitted in August 2023 on the violation of fundamental labour rights and human rights (in particular, violations of C 029 – Forced Labour Convention, 1930 (No. 29) and 2. C 087 – Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise Convention, 1948 (No. 87), core conventions binding on all member states.). We remain committed to collaborating with relevant partner organizations to ensure that swift and effective actions are taken against the regime.

3. Furthermore, the tripartite body, under the leadership of the National Unity Government, remains steadfast in its efforts to represent Myanmar at the 113th International Labour Conference scheduled for June 2025 and is committed to securing formal participation within the ILO’s tripartite framework.

4. We strongly appeal to the ILO, a steadfast advocate for fundamental labour rights among its member states, as well as its member countries, international trade unions, and employers’ organizations dedicated to the principles of freedom, justice, and democracy, to collaborate closely with the National Unity Government and the tripartite delegation that genuinely represents the people of Myanmar. Together, we must urgently restore the fundamental labour rights and human rights that the people of Myanmar have been unjustly deprived of.