Junta Continues To flaunt ILO

Junta Continues To flaunt ILO

Reporter: Maihoong

Despite the International Labor Organization's warning on 14 June, Rangoon has not let up their forced labor practices, reported our S.H.A.N. correspondent from eastern Shan State on 26 September.

During August and September, local people in Mongton (opposite Chiangmai) were summoned to carry out several tasks, such as construction of chicken coops, pig sties and Chinlong (Takraw) courts, digging latrine holes, mending and constructing latrines, and pulling weeds in army's bean fields and corn fields.

The reason people had to build chicken coops and pig sties for the army was, as explained by the sources, because "they have no chickens and pigs to feed the soldiers, and cannot afford money to buy them for the army's consumption anymore." One viss (1.6 kilogram) of chicken costs K.600 (B.60) and the same weight of pork K. 1,000 (B.100).

In addition, each household has been given the following long-standing fixed monthly duties:

1. Guarding roads 2 days and nights
2. Guarding army posts 2 days and nights
3. Portering 7 days and nights
4. Working in the army's fields 2 days
5. Building fences, mending 1 days
6. Sanitation of army posts 1 days

Altogether 15 days per month.

For those who have motor-transport, it is required for them to stay in army posts 7 days each month in anticipation of emergencies. Each car owner is also expected to provide a driver and fuel.

"It is the same in other townships," said a shopowner in Mongton. "ILO's warning hasn't fazed the army one little bit."

The ILO has given Rangoon until 30 November to behave itself.