2012 June 2 Thank you Chair, First of all I would like to thank the ILO and especially this

Committee on Application of Standards the consistant and persisitant approach taken to help pave the way for change towards recognition of Convention 29 in our country. We see many differences within the committee on many issues but the consensus on the workers rights violations in Burma and then Myanmar was outstanding over the last twenty years. We thank you for this and would like to say that improvements are seen in our country now. Improvements are seen but not all is well. Less Forced Labor and Child soldiers, actions taken against perpetratuers and more space available to do more things. More work is needed to totally eradicate forced labor in our country. President U Thein Sein in his speech of 1st May 2012 , mentioned that " All forms of forced labor shall be eliminated once and for all for enhanceing the eternal principles which are justice, freedom and equality" . The President also mentioned on " The consolidation of Civil Society Organizations is the most important thing in the process of democratic transition and nation building endeavors. According to Myanmar culture, our national races have the philanthropic spirit deeply rooted in Myanmar society under the influence of religious teachings. It is very heartening to see emergence of the Civil Society Organizations with momentum from social works to emergency rescues and in the fields of economy, development and environmental conservation. Systematic emergence of foundations and organizations is a pride for our society. These Civil Society Organizations play an important role in flourishing and strengthening of Myanmar democracy system." Also, the Commander in Chief had informed the ILO Governing Body delegation and the country that any perpetartuer in the military would face judicial action. If the President is committed and the Commander in Chief of the military is committed, then we do need to ask the question - why will it take another 3 years for total eradication of Forced Labor ?

FTUB had objected to the agreement on the MOU because it was providing another three years to violate Forced Labor in country. FTUB also notes the lack of a comprehensive report on the impact of the many trainings provided by the Liaison office and the logic behind the 3 years plan. In his speech of 2012 March 1 to the National Parliament, President U Thein Sein said :" Rule of law is a must for our administrative mechanism, businesses, social welfare, political processes, international relations and judicial system. If rule of law prevails in our society, human rights, liberty and democracy would flourish automatically". But the comments by the President on the need for Rule of Law seems to have fallen on unresponsive ears. The correlation between Eradication of Forced Labor and Penalty, Court action for the perpetartuers and Rule of Law are totally absent in the country. FTUB has a different approach to the Eradication of Forced Labor in country. Can we not, as a country launch a "Campaign to end Forced Labor by end of 2013 "? We should and we can. I do believe that all gathered here, will be more than happy to see this concentrated campaign of total eradication of Forced Labor . Instead of looking for more outside sources, why do we not look at available resources. Examples would be requesting the - Democratic Voice of Burma ( funded by the Norwegian government ) to launch TV and radio brodcasts aimed at Forced Labor eradication in various ethnic languages ( they already have the persons) - discussing with the respective Ethnic organizations that have entered Ceasefire talks to help with translations into their own languages and with distribution and documenting( if resources are provided by the ILO)

- reporting of violations via the newly established Communications offices of the ethnic nationalities - requesting the Parliamentarians to spread awarness within their own constituents - requesting the employers who have ventures in rural areas to enforce the President and the Commander in Chief's calls to eradicate Forced Labor ( it was done by TOTALFINA when we took legal action against them) - as stated by the President, discussing with the many NGOs and CSOs who are already working on eradication of forced labor by themsleves to become part of the campaign. They have their advantages and disadvantages and the ILO and the Trade Unions could be the bridge between them and the Government ect. This kind of action will allow all the people to understand that eradicating of Forced Labor is a national issue and tied to the view of the world on the country. This kind of approach will allow people to become part of the campaign -- become part of helping the country. FTUB proposes this people oriented approach to eradicate Forced labor rather then the 3 years Action Plan. This approach also is more transparent, less costly, less rigid and also provide space for the people to say " we eradicated forced labor". -ends( 846 words)