Re CHR Resolution on Burma

[darnott@xxxxxxxxxxx]

I forgot to mention that the text I sent out yesterday was adopted by 
consensus by the Commission on Human Rights on 18 April.


One interesting point is that over the past week or so, the SPDC delegation 
to the Commission has been lobbying very hard to remove the reference to 
the ILO Governing Body's decision of 27 March. With the help of Japan, 
which threatened to call a vote if the language were not changed, the 
original paragraph:

"Noting the resolution adopted by the International Labour Conference at 
its 87th Session on the widespread use of forced labour in Myanmar, and 
also of the recommendation of the Governing Body of the International 
Labour Organization that the 88th Session of the International Labour 
Conference (May-June 2000) adopt such measures as it may deem wise and 
expedient to secure compliance by the Government of Myanmar with the 
recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry established to examine the 
observance of the Forced Labour Convention, 1930 (No. 29), "

was replaced by

"Taking note of the resolution adopted by the International Labour 
Conference at its 87th Session on the widespread use of forced labour in 
Myanmar, and also of the recommendation of the International Labour 
Organization Governing Body's recommendation of the 27 March 2000,"


It seems that the Burmese military are particularly sensitive to the ILO 
criticisms. It might be interesting to watch the ILO Conference (30 May-15 
June). The ILO website is www.ilo.org

DNA