ACVCSCIASIA.ORG, JAKARTA – The International Trade Union Movement, in this case the representative of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) and its regional office for Asia Pacific, which represents more than 200 million workers/labor, together with the Global Federation of Trade Unions (GUFs), the ASEAN Trade Union Council (ATUC), The Indonesian Global Union Network (GUIN) conducted an advocacy mission for Myanmar. They held a series of meetings with the Chair of ASEAN 2023, namely the Indonesian government. International trade union representatives met with the Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs, Mahfud MD, at his office, Jakarta, Wednesday (19/07/2023).
Even though it was a holiday (Islamic New Year), Mahfud MD warmly welcomed the trade union representatives, the meeting also went smoothly. During the meeting, Mahfud MD conveyed his support for the demands of international trade unions. He also highlighted the important role of the trade union movement in advocating conflict resolution for the restoration of democracy in Myanmar.
“The labor movement has always been an integral part of the struggle for democracy in Indonesia and in the world,” said Mahfud MD.
Patuan Samosir, Senior Director of ITUC Asia Pacific, expressed serious concern that international trade unions have over the humanitarian crisis, human rights violations, and the situation of trade unions in Myanmar.
Andi Gani Nena Wea, President of KSPSI Indonesia and President of ATUC also expressed his concern at seeing Myanmar experiencing extraordinary repression by the military junta regime.
“To date, more than 1.6 million people have been displaced, more than 23,000 people have been arrested, and at least 3,700 people have been killed since the military coup in Myanmar. Including 400 union members who were detained or arrested, and 53 union members who were killed ,” said Andi Gani.
Monina Wong, ITUC-Brussels Department of Human Rights and Labor, highlighted the urgent need for ASEAN to align the ASEAN implementation plan of the Five Point Consensus on Myanmar with the ILO Resolution for the restoration of democracy in Myanmar, while waiting for the report of the ILO Commission of Inquiry on Myanmar in November.
Apolinar Tolentino, Regional Secretary for International Timber and Construction Workers (BWI Asia Pacific) also expressed the concern felt by the Myanmar Labor Alliance, considering that neighboring countries such as Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Bangladesh, India, China have actually invited the military junta to official meetings.
“Neighboring countries hosting discussions for solutions on Myanmar that are not based on UN and ILO resolutions on Myanmar, this can override the legitimacy of the ASEAN Five Point Consensus.” said Apolinar.
Meanwhile, Yoshiko Norimatsu as Executive Director of International Relations for Japanese Trade Unions (JTUC RENGO) shared more about how trade unions in Japan tried to encourage the Japanese government and members of parliament to stop the military junta’s brutal attacks on the people and trade unions in Myanmar.
Finally, Elly Silaban, President of KSBSI Indonesia, highlighted the important role of the 43rd ASEAN Summit which will be held in Jakarta in September in efforts to restore democracy in Myanmar. He also called for 3 (three) main points to the Indonesian government as Chair of ASEAN.
“Establishing the permanent office of the ASEAN Special Envoy for Myanmar whose term of office does not coincide with the Chair of ASEAN. Developing an implementation plan with a certain time followed by indicators related to the ASEAN Five Points of Consensus. Building concrete collaboration with the UN, ILO, and dialogue with Myanmar and other international institutions for constructive dialogue regarding the Myanmar crisis.” exclaimed Elly.
Even though there are various things that are needed, the Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs, Mahfud MD assured representatives of the international trade union movement that the aspirations and input regarding Myanmar will be conveyed to the relevant ministers, specifically to the President of the Republic of Indonesia.
(RED/Handi)
