ABSTRACT
This chapter looks at the efforts of the International Labour Organization (ILO) in addressing the very serious problem of State-imposed forced labour in Myanmar. It assesses the strategy, both in terms of its effectiveness in furthering the ILO's aims, and more broadly from the perspective of the Principled Engagement framework. An ILO Commission of Inquiry is an independent, quasi-judicial body, with a mandate to ascertain all the facts of a case, including through "on the spot" visits and witness hearings. The ILO's first priority was to obtain a change in the legislation, followed in due course by a monitoring presence in the country. The Government had clearly not accepted the findings of the Commission, but neither did it appeal to the International Court of Justice. Some governments and trade unions of western nations as well as some trade unions within the region which are independent of government control may instigate a blockade of trade and investments.
