The Building and Wood Workers’ International (BWI) welcomes the conclusions adopted by the International Labour Organization (ILO) Committee on the Application of Standards (CAS) during its Special Sitting on Myanmar at the 114th International Labour Conference. The conclusions call on the Myanmar military junta to fully implement the recommendations of the ILO Commission of Inquiry (COI) and to move forward with establishing an independent monitoring mechanism to document ongoing violations. 

The discussion took place against the backdrop of continuing attacks on workers’ rights, including violations of freedom of association, forced labour, and violence against workers, trade unionists, and civilians since the military coup in February 2021. The CAS noted that significant gaps remain in the implementation of the COI recommendations and called for concrete measures to address persistent violations of fundamental labour rights. 

One of the most significant developments arising from the discussion is the continued work towards an independent monitoring mechanism that will support the collection, verification, and reporting of information on ongoing violations. The mechanism is intended to strengthen accountability efforts and provide credible documentation of abuses committed against workers and communities. 

“The conclusions of the Committee on the Application of Standards show that the situation in Myanmar remains grave and that the military junta has yet to comply with the recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry,” said Ambet Yuson, BWI General Secretary. “BWI supports the establishment of the independent monitoring mechanism as an important step towards documenting violations, strengthening accountability, and protecting workers and their trade unions.” 

For Myanmar workers and trade unions, the outcome of the CAS discussion reflects the continued concern of the international labour movement regarding the worsening human rights and labour rights situation in the country. The monitoring mechanism provides an additional avenue for documenting, verifying, and bringing violations before the international community. 

“The people of Myanmar continue to face violence, repression, and the denial of basic freedoms,” said Phyo Sandar Soe, Assistant to the Secretary General of the Confederation of Trade Unions of Myanmar (CTUM). “Workers and trade unions need continued international solidarity and support as we push for the full implementation of the Commission of Inquiry recommendations.” 

BWI views the implementation of the COI recommendations and the establishment of the monitoring mechanism as important components of broader international efforts to address the crisis in Myanmar. These efforts include the implementation of the ILO Resolution concerning Myanmar adopted in 2025, which calls for measures to prevent support that enables the military junta’s continued violations. 

BWI will continue working with the CTUM, the international trade union movement, and democratic forces inside and outside Myanmar to support accountability efforts, advance workers’ rights, and promote concrete measures that contribute to ending violence and restoring democracy in Myanmar.