The U.N. agency responsible for workers' rights has expressed concern about the lack of progress in the elimination of forced labor in Burma.
At a meeting of its governing body in Geneva, the International Labor Organization called on Burma's military government (Friday) to take concrete steps by next March to improve conditions for workers. The board said it would then decide on further steps.
The ILO sanctioned the Rangoon government in November 2000 following reports that the military government used forced laborers in public works and other projects.
At its meeting this week, the board specifically cited concerns about the forced labor situation in the border area of Burma, where there is a large military presence. But the board did say there were some improvements in the central part of the country.