The ILO first established its Liaison Office in Myanmar in 2002 under an Understanding between the Government of the Union of Myanmar and the International Labour Office. The main role of the Liaison Officer was to support efforts for the elimination of forced labour in the country and implement strategies to address its root causes.
 
In February 2007 a Supplementary Understanding was also signed between the Government of the Union of Myanmar and the ILO to provide a complaints mechanism enabling victims of forced labour to seek redress. 

Since June 2012, ILO’s mandate in Myanmar has broadened to encompass the full range of the decent work agenda. In September 2018, the ILO signed its first Decent Work Country Program (DWCP) for Myanmar with the Government, employers and workers organisations. The DWCP was developed on a tripartite basis signals priority areas for ILO technical support and plays a key role in assisting Myanmar to meet its commitments to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) before 2030.

The DWCP targets the following priority areas:

• To generate employment and decent work as well as sustainable entrepreneurship opportunities to all, including for vulnerable populations affected by conflict and disaster;
• To strengthen the application of Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work through improved labour market governance. The ILO’s long-standing work for the elimination of forced labour will remain a core component of the plan;
• To progressively extend social protection coverage especially for vulnerable workers and populations, and develop a comprehensive national system for occupational safety and health.

Throughout the years, the ILO’s role has been pivotal in Myanmar’s emergence from decades of isolation and military rule by supporting wider processes of democratization, freedom of association and good governance in the labour market. Furthermore, the ILO has also been playing an important role in supporting ongoing peace efforts through developing employment initiatives in conflict affected areas, which are essential for national reconciliation, poverty alleviation and social stability.

The ILO Liaison Office in Myanmar reports regularly to the ILO Governing Body on its work in the country, including progress in the elimination of forced labour.