Steps to better labour standards in Burma

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR:
Financial Times; Oct 15, 2001
By RICHARD JONES and ROBERT TAYLOR

From Dr Richard Jones and Prof Robert Taylor.

Sir, The article "ILO to probe forced labour in Burma" by William Barnes (September 18) was misleading and fell short of the mark in reflecting the current situation in Burma.

First, it exaggerated the recommendations the International Labour Organisation made to member states in November last year. Sanctions were not proposed; instead it was recommended that relations should be reviewed. Such a review might indeed lead to a resumption of aid, rather than simply the imposition of more sanctions, if such a course of action would be helpful in ending unacceptable labour practices in that country.

Second, the article failed to note the efforts that the government of Burma has undertaken to halt the practice of forced labour. In addition to abolishing relevant colonial era legislation, which had sanctioned the practice, the government has made extensive efforts to publicise the illegality of forced labour practices. And, given the underdeveloped conditions of large parts of the country, disseminating this information has been no minor achievement. The State Peace and Development Council also embraced human rights training programmes to help them "promote and protect the humanity of all the people of Burma".

Moreover, informed commentators would agree that to translate these words into sustained practice and behaviour must now surely be central to our focus, constructive comments and dialogue.

As Juan Somavia, the ILO director, recently said, the government of Burma is working with his organisation to achieve higher labour standards. Earlier reports were based on accounts largely provided by expatriate political groups.

As the recent ILO fact-finding mission is the first impartial review of labour conditions within the country, we should wait to see its results before reaching judgments.

Richard Jones,
First&42nd, 1 Oxendon Street, London SW1Y 4EE

Robert Taylor
, 13 Baron Close, London N11 3PS