Tsunami victims subjected to forced labour practice by Burma junta

Democratic Voice of Burma ^ | Mar 22, 2005

[ZayYa]

The local authorities of Burma’s military junta, State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) at Kawthaung in southern Burma have been forcing the victims of recent Asia tsunami to rebuild a bridge damaged by the tidal waves.

The authorities of Tamaing Aung Thukkha Ward in Kawthaung ordered one person from each household to “volunteer” in the rebuilding of the damaged Paloketonetone Bridge and those who could not, have to pay 2,000 kyat each.

When the people asked the authorities if they are not afraid to go to jail as local authorities from Kawmoo, Kalewa and Taungup areas have been sent to prisons for forced labour practice, they replied that they don’t have to worry about it as the order comes from the local military commander himself.

[ZayYa]

The FR readers can see how the junta have repeatedly said big lies to the world by reading the following excerpt in comparison. Myanmar has been cooperating sincerely with ILO as regards many spheres including eradication of forced labour. Myanmar people have the tradition of contributing voluntary labour with religious faith. Eradication of forced labour affects this tradition. As some do not understand the tradition of Myanmar, we have to suffer traditional cultural loss. In ratifying a convention, all member countries have obligation to promulgate it in local laws. After that there are two portions — law and practice. In ratifying Forced Labour Convention No 29, Myanmar has complied with law promulgation and practice. In implementing law promulgation and practice, Myanmar lays emphasis on the rule of law. Action is taken against all violators without bias. (Soe Nyunt, Director-General of Labour Department of the Ministry of Labour, Myanmar, who made clarification regarding the arbitrary pressure put on Myanmar by ILO at the press conference (2/2005) of the Information Committee of the State Peace and Development Council)