Myanmar to avoid ILO sanctions

Myanmar to avoid ILO sanctions

YANGON (AFP): The Myanmar government said Tuesday it had issued a powerful directive banning forced labor, in a sign of its deep concern over sanctions threatened by the International Labor Organization (ILO).

The decree from the feared State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) represents the highest level order available in the military-run country and backs a Home Ministry directive on the same issue.

The ILO's governing body is now meeting in Geneva to consider the team's report and decide how far Myanmar has gone towards complying with recommendations it laid down two years ago.

If Myanmar is found not to have done enough, the ILO could bring down a range of measures, including further sanctions from its member nations that could deal a mortal blow to the already decrepit economy.