This is the second time that the ILO has imposed Article 33 sanctions on Myanmar, the first time during the Than Shwe regime. At that time, the measures were only on paper and no effective response was made. The NUG called this action a victory for the people.
If the ILO really takes action, it will first affect hundreds of thousands of domestic garment workers before it affects the military council. Even now, garment workers are living on meager wages. Officials have said that they will find ways to hurt the military council without hurting the people. For example, an oil embargo.
The ILO has historically only taken action under Article 33 against Belarus and Myanmar. The ILO’s action comes shortly after the US suspended visas, which has caused the country’s image to deteriorate. All of this is because of the military council.
