ILO Director General Guy Ryder and Ambassador Maung Wai Permanent Representative of Myanmar to the UN in Geneva

On 18 December 2013, the Government of the Republic of Myanmar deposited with the International Labour Office the instrument of ratification of the Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention, 1999 (No. 182). Myanmar is the 178th ILO member State to ratify this instrument, which calls for the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labour, including slavery, trafficking, the use of children in armed conflict, the use of a child for prostitution, pornography and illicit activities (such as drug trafficking) as well as hazardous work.

It is estimated that globally, approximately 85 million children worldwide are engaged in hazardous work, including 33.9 million in Asia and the Pacific.

In transmitting the instrument of ratification, the Permanent Representative of Myanmar to the United Nations Office in Geneva, H.E.U Maung Wai, stated “The ratification of Convention No. 182, one of the fundamental ILO Conventions, is another important step taken by the Government of Myanmar to protect and promote the rights of the child. In addition to our commitments to eliminate the practice of forced labour by 2015 or earlier and to the enhancement of freedom of association, our ratification of Convention No. 182 illustrates the commitment of the Government of Myanmar towards international labour standards and the further promotion and protection of labour rights. We will continue to work together with the ILO for the promotion and protection of labour rights and for promoting decent work for all.”

In receiving the instrument of ratification of Convention No. 182 by Myanmar, the Director-General of the ILO, Mr Guy Ryder, stated “I am particularly pleased to welcome Myanmar among the States party to Convention No. 182, who commit to eliminating the worst forms of child labour. This represents another positive development in the country’s continued path towards the full respect of fundamental rights at work. Today, Myanmar joins the global fight against the scourge of child labour, including eliminating the use of children in armed conflict, and commits to protecting children from work that has a debilitating effect on their health, morals or psychological wellbeing. With Myanmar’s ratification, Convention No. 182 is now the most ratified ILO Convention, bringing us one step closer to the goal of universal ratification. As of today, only seven member States remain to ratify this fundamental Convention, and this reflects the overwhelming global consensus that certain forms of child labour demand urgent and immediate action for their elimination.”

More information on Convention No. 182 and ILO’s work to combat child labour may be found at www.ilo.org/childlabour