Forum Views ()
Forum Replies ()
Read more with google mobile :
Myanmar efforts to halt forced labor minimal: report
| International
|
My Profile
Top News
Reuters top ten news stories delivered to your inbox each day.
Subscribe
You are here:
Home
>
News
>
International
>
Article
Home
Business & Finance
News
U.S.
Politics
International
Technology
Entertainment
Sports
Lifestyle
Oddly Enough
Health
Science
Special Coverage
Video
Pictures
Your View
The Great Debate
Blogs
Weather
Reader Feedback
Do More With Reuters
RSS
Widgets
Mobile
Podcasts
Newsletters
Your View
Make Reuters My Homepage
Partner Services
CareerBuilder
Affiliate Network
Professional Products
Support (Customer Zone)
Reuters Media
Financial Products
About Thomson Reuters
Myanmar efforts to halt forced labor minimal: report
Sat Jun 6, 2009 7:56am EDT
Email | Print |
Share
| Reprints | Single Page
[-]
Text
[+]
GENEVA (Reuters) - Myanmar is taking minimal steps to heed international calls to end forced labor, a report by the International Labor Organization (ILO) showed on Saturday.
The report by the ILO's liaison officer in Myanmar, Steve Marshall, said only 152 cases had been received under a complaints mechanism agreed in 2007 to allow people to protest against forced labor.
People making complaints and those helping them were subject to harassment, while there were virtually no cases of officials, especially in the military, being punished for forcing people to work against their will, he said in the report to a special session of the U.N. agency's committee on labor standards.
"The number of complaints cannot be seen as a reflection of the extent of forced labor practices in Myanmar," Marshall said. "There are continuing practical problems in the physical ability of victims of forced labor or their families to complain."
The ILO, which groups workers, employers and governments to promote good labor conditions, has been holding annual special sessions on the former Burma since 2000.
It has called on Myanmar to make a strong statement from the head of the military junta that forced labor is prohibited; adapt legislation to ban forced labor; end forced labor in practice, especially by the military; punish officials for imposing forced labor; publicize the prohibition of forced labor and budget to replaced forced or unpaid labor.
The military-ruled former British colony and the ILO set up the complaints mechanism in 2007. The trial period was extended for 12 months in February this year.
The government distributed 10,000 copies of an approved translation of the agreement in the country of 53 million people and has produced a further 20,000 copies, Marshall said.
"The production of a proposed brochure based on draft ILO text, in accessible language, has not been approved by the government and alternative methods of increasing awareness are under discussion," he said.
Marshall said harassment of volunteers helping people to use the complaints mechanism continued, with three facilitators -- U Min Aung, Ma Su Su Nway and U Zaw Htay -- and a lawyer for facilitators, Ko Po Phyu, all in jail.
He said he did not know of any prosecutions of officials responsible for forced labor, but said a small number of military personnel had been fined and in one case lost seniority for recruiting children into the army.
Marshall said he had raised two cases of forced labor in reconstruction work after last year's Cyclone Nargis, and the government had immediately stopped them.
The ILO and government set up a rebuilding project in the devastated area, funded by Britain, which showed how community projects could work without forced labor, he said.
(Reporting by Jonathan Lynn; Editing by Janet Lawrence)
© Thomson Reuters 2009 All rights reserved
Share:
Del.icio.us
Digg
Mixx
Yahoo!
Facebook
LinkedIn
Next Article:
Two pro-Taliban clerics killed in Pakistan shootout
Afghanistan and Pakistan
Fighting the Taliban
A growing insurgency in Afghanistan is also spreading deep into Pakistan, making both countries crucial to U.S. war efforts in the region. Full Coverage
More International News
Obama says D-Day saved world from evil
Iran says U.N. report shows its nuclear work peaceful
Airbus noted speed data problems before crash
| Video
New ministers back UK's Brown but fate uncertain
| Video
Afghan leader urges Kyrgyzstan to keep U.S. base
More International News...
Featured Broker sponsored link
Editor's Choice
Slideshow
A selection of our best photos from the past 24 hours. Slideshow
Most Popular on Reuters
Articles
Video
Mystery surrounds "Kung Fu" actor's death | Video
Ex-U.S. State official, wife face Cuba spy charges
UPDATE 4-Brazil crews struggle to gather plane wreckage
Airbus noted speed data problems before crash
Universal Pictures calls "Bruno" suit frivolous
Airbus noted speed data problems before crash | Video
As U.S. presses Israel, EU may join fray
GM reaches deal to sell Saturn to Penske | Video
Britain's Brown rejigs cabinet to calm crisis | Video
Airbus warns airlines after Air France crash
Most Popular Articles RSS Feed
Video
Mummies found in Peru
Drought-hit India's frog wedding
Obama raps Ahmadinejad
Uninsured in America
Berlusconi blasts nude party pics
Peru baby's big tumour op
Obama remembers Holocaust victims
British navy sinks pirate boat
The UK political saga takes a twist
No gas for this air-powered car
Most Popular Videos RSS Feed
The Great Debate
Fearing the supermen of Guantanamo
Bernd Debusmann
The language used in the debate over plans to close the detention center has taken on a surreal quality and convey the impression that Guantanamo detainees will wander the streets, shopping for sandals and guns. Commentary
Follow Bernd Debusmann on Twitter
We want to hear from you
Join the Reuters Consumer Insight Panel and help us get to know you better
Please take a moment to complete our survey
Reuters.com:
Help and Contact Us |
Advertise With Us |
Mobile |
Newsletters |
RSS |
Labs |
Archive |
Site Index |
Video Index
Thomson Reuters Corporate:
Copyright |
Disclaimer |
Privacy |
Professional Products |
Professional Products Support |
About Thomson Reuters |
Careers
International Editions:
Africa |
Arabic |
Argentina |
Brazil |
Canada |
China |
France |
Germany |
India |
Italy |
Japan |
Latin America |
Mexico |
Russia |
Spain |
United Kingdom |
United States
Thomson Reuters is the world's largest international multimedia news agency, providing investing news, world news, business news, technology news, headline news, small business news, news alerts, personal finance, stock market, and mutual funds information available on Reuters.com, video, mobile, and interactive television platforms. Thomson Reuters journalists are subject to an Editorial Handbook which requires fair presentation and disclosure of relevant interests.
NYSE and AMEX quotes delayed by at least 20 minutes. Nasdaq delayed by at least 15 minutes. For a complete list of exchanges and delays, please click here.
Other News on Saturday, 6 June 2009 Susan Boyle out of London clinic: brother
Spain media giant Prisa announces TV merger plan
US jobs data shows hope despite unemployment rise
Iran running 5,000 centrifuges, U.N. oversight harder
| International
|
Israel kills Palestinian man in West Bank
| International
|
Contenders in last-ditch stab to win Lebanon votes
| International
|
Sprint CEO sees Pre as Sprint coming out party
| Technology
|
Obama denies asking Germany for Gitmo commitments
In downturns, Internet companies look to sell start-ups
| Technology
|
New 'atmosphere' to restart Mideast talks: Obama
China may buy up to $50 bln in IMF bonds: report
Pakistan mosque bombing kills 10: police
New Zealander cleared of killing family in retrial
Suu Kyi lawyers challenge ban on defence witnesses
Japanese software regulator bans rape "games"
NKorea agrees to talks with SKorea: officials
Pakistanis stream out of Swat conflict zone
China may buy up to $50bln of IMF bonds: state media
Bollywood reaches deal with cinemas, ends boycott
Stephen Colbert lands in Iraq for new shows
| Entertainment
|
Lori Petty charged with drunken driving
| Entertainment
|
Carlos Santana happy to be a hippie in Las Vegas
| Entertainment
|
UK's Brown says You're Hired to Apprentice star
| Entertainment
|
Ryan Reynolds Lets His Manhood Hang Out During Nude Scene In Latest Film
Britney Spears Desperate To Meet Queen Elizabeth For Afternoon Tea
Investment Adviser Who Faked Own Death In Plane Crash Pleads Guilty
Battle lines drawn for Lebanon vote
French sub joins search for jet crash debris
GPS shoes for Alzheimer's patients
Brazil crews struggle to gather plane wreckage
| International
|
Fruitless 5th day in search for Air France debris: official
Wall Street ponders if rally can run further
Baseball manager, Twitter settle lawsuit
Fire kills at least 29 children at Mexican daycare
| International
|
GM to sell Saturn brand to Penske
British PM vows to fight on
Online ad revenue down five pct in US
Court to hear last big Chrysler-Fiat challenge
Obama to mark 65th D-Day anniversary in Normandy
| International
|
Berlusconi vows lawsuit over topless photos
Mitsubishi rolls out zero-emission electric minicar
WHO backs anti-diarrhoea vaccine for all children
Top official assassinated at wedding in Russia's Dagestan
Palm Pre goes on sale in US on Saturday
South Korea says no compromise against North's threats
| International
|
IAEA finds undeclared uranium at second Syria site
| International
|
Jobs may spark move in Apple shares on Monday
| Technology
|
Palm Pre gets thumbs up in media reviews
| Technology
|
Ex-State Dept official, wife charged as Cuba spies
Obama marks D-Day in Normandy
Cirque du Soleil prepares for new Macau special
Hot News In 2009 Brings Confusion
Montana Trial Puts Focus On Asbestos Illnesses
Obama arrives in France for D-Day anniversary
Underground Explosion In San Fransisco Sends Smoke, Flames From Manholes
Banished cricketer Symonds says 'fair bit to consider'
Judge May Sanction Attorney, Client Over Withheld Evidence
UN chief warns Sri Lanka against 'triumphalism'
Wall Street Ends Week Mixed On Jobs Data
We are the fortunate ones, say WWII veterans
Prosecutors seek jail for Indonesian president's relative
U.S. Must Begin Planning For Flu Pandemic, Official Says
Dalai Lama urges pressure over Tibet 'oppression'
Breaking News: Former U.S. State Dept Official And Wife Arrested For Being Cuban Spies
Rescuers search for dozens missing in China landslide
Capitol Adds 400 Hand Sanitizers To Capitol Complex
Government Proposal To Close 20 Weather Offices
Canada's Premiers Support Harper Move To Seek Exemption From Buy American Policies
Pakistan PM urges US to write off debt
Vietnam plans almost 40 pct growth in rubber: govt
Canon to build new Japan plant after delay
Chinese regulators may block purchase of Hummer: report
Japan's electronic giant Sharp sees hopes in China
Pakistan stocks end up, security concerns limit gains
Mystery surrounds Kung Fu actor's death
| Entertainment
|
Universal Pictures calls Bruno suit frivolous
| Entertainment
|
Venice's Biennale: a wide, multi-dimensional world
Woodstock rarities unearthed on boxed set
| Entertainment
|
YouTube showing Besson documentary 'Home'
Elton John, Dolly Parton to perform at Tonys
| Entertainment
|
Skyscraper greenhouses to sprout in crowded cities: expert
Idol winner Kris Allen to sing at NBA finals
| Entertainment
|
US disadvantaged get new suit on life
Austrian town strives to keep alive memory of Nazi victims
Indonesian briefly jailed for hospital complaint
Vienna tribute to Cy Twombly
Four killed in Afghan bombing: police
Airbus plans to replace faulty speed monitors
Iran in major nuclear expansion, U.N. oversight harder
Iran says U.N. report shows its nuclear work peaceful
| International
|
Missing Air France jet sent 24 error messages
'Buy American' plan leads to ire, confusion
EU polls enter new round amid low turnout
New ministers back UK's Brown but fate uncertain
| International
|
Israel kills Palestinian man in West Bank
Obama says U.S. ready for "serious dialogue" with Iran
Afghan leader urges Kyrgyzstan to keep U.S. base
| International
|
Myanmar efforts to halt forced labor minimal: report
| International
|
Two pro-Taliban clerics killed in Pakistan shootout
| International
|
Zimbabwe's Tsvangirai to seek aid in Europe, U.S
| International
|
Turkey detains 10 army officers in coup plot
Lebanon patriarch opposes Hezbollah on eve of vote
| International
|
Pakistan militants kill aides of cleric: military
Four weeks to say how Carradine died: Thai police
SKorea president says no compromise against NKorea
Fans gather for launch of iPhone killer Palm Pre
| Technology
|
Melbourne world's swine flu capital: report
US to ramp up intel efforts in drug war
Mosque bombing heightens fears of Taliban backlash
Rescuers search for dozens missing in China landslide
US considers sanctions on NKorea in UN talks: Clinton
Russia sends cool signals on nuclear talks
Taiwan says Japan to invest in Taiwan's TMC
Taiwan dollar falls to 2-week low on US econ hopes
Chinese VP departs for Japan talks: state media
China to loan $3 bln to Turkmenistan
Pakistani c.bank buys back 28.3 bln rupees of bills
Taiwan considers allowing 12-inch fabs in China
Universal rejects charges against Cohen
Theater owners behind on 3-D projectors
Universal rejects charges against Cohen
Saint Bernards: Swiss national dog finds new role
E3 bodes well for videogame lovers
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights