Written Answers. - Human Rights Abuses.
Thomas P. Broughan
Ceist:
81
Mr. Broughan
asked the
Minister for Foreign Affairs
his views on the warning by the International Labour Organisation that it might call on all its member states as well as employers and trade union organisations to review relations with Myanmar and thus cease any contacts which might have the effect of encouraging forced labour.
[27477/00]
Jack Wall
Ceist:
102
Mr. Wall
asked the
Minister for Foreign Affairs
if Ireland has asked the French Presidency to raise the issue of forced labour with the Government of Myanmar at the forthcoming meeting between the European Union and the Asian countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[27476/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 81 and 102 together.
The systematic and ongoing violation of human rights in Burma is a matter of great concern to the Government. These concerns are fully shared by our EU partners. The continuing refusal of the military regime to address the findings of various UN and other inquiries is unacceptable.
The International Labour Organisation, ILO, has been carrying out a detailed examination of the practice of forced labour in Burma since 1998. They have given the military regime every opportunity to abandon this practice. In the absence of a positive response, the ILO took an unprecedented decision on 17 November, including a number of recommendations on labour practices in Burma. These recommendations are addressed to its member states as well as to its employer and worker representatives. Other recommendations relate to activities of the ILO itself, as well as to the UN Economic and Social Council. The Government, in consultation with EU partners, will examine these recommendations with a view to ensuring that they are implemented to optimum effect.
The practice of forced labour is only one of many human rights violations in Burma. These violations, as well as other areas of concern, were addressed in a full and comprehensive resolution, co-sponsored by Ireland and our EU partners, which was adopted at the current session of the UN General Assembly.
It is intended that the issue of forced labour, along with the many other matters of concern on aspects of human rights and other matters, will be raised by the EU with Burma and its ASEAN partners at the EU-ASEAN ministerial meeting in Laos next month.
