Nagkaisa calls on the Philippine government to go beyond expressing concern over the reported airstrike in Kyauktaw, Rakhine State, that killed 50 people and injured dozens more.
The attack is the latest manifestation of a devastating conflict that has reportedly killed around 100,000 people and displaced more than 3.5 million. Reuters report
Expressing concern is not enough. Monitoring is not enough. As ASEAN chair, the Philippines must act.
Nagkaisa calls on the Philippine government to recognize the National Unity Government (NUG) as the legitimate representative of the democratic forces of Myanmar and engage it directly in shaping the regional response to the crisis.
The Philippines should also implement, on its own and together with other ASEAN member states, the measures adopted under Article 33 of the ILO Constitution concerning Myanmar. These measures were adopted after the ILO Commission of Inquiry found grave violations of freedom of association and the prohibition of forced labour.
For Nagkaisa, this means using the Philippines’ diplomatic and economic relations to ensure that they do not enable, facilitate or prolong violations of workers’ rights. It also means pressing for the protection of Myanmar’s independent trade unions and the release of detained trade unionists and labor activists.
ASEAN has repeatedly expressed concern over the violence and the lack of progress in implementing its Five-Point Consensus. The continuing bloodshed shows that statements alone are not enough.
As ASEAN chair, the Philippines should use its leadership to build regional support for democratic forces, humanitarian protection and workers’ rights—and to ensure that the ILO’s Article 33 measures are actually acted upon.
Myanmar needs more than ASEAN concern. Its people and workers need governments to take a clear stand and concrete action.
No comments:
Post a Comment