The Governing Body renewed their commitment to eradicating forced labor practices in Myanmar. It called for a permanent ILO presence to monitor the efforts of the Myanmar government to eradicate the widespread practice of forced labor.

A report by a high level team that visited the country in September found that despite legislation enacted a year ago, the practice of forced labor continued in many parts of Myanmar. Such practice was especially prevalent where military presence had been significant. The team noted that the perpetrators of forced labor were mainly military authorities.

The Governing Body appealed to the ILO to provide technical assistance with implementing new legislation that would create a post of ombudsman that would handle complaints regarding forced labor. If legislators pass the new legislation, the ombudsman would also have a mandate and the necessary means to conduct investigations without fear or favor with the required confidence of all parties concerned.

The ILO did acknowledge that the government of Myanmar did make an effort to eradicate the problem of forced labor. The report notes the government's cooperation in the investigation led by the high level ILO team. However, members agreed that there was a need for the laws to be strengthened and that information on the new laws needed to be disseminated.

The ILO team noted the efficacy of mass media for this purpose, and suggested its widespread use in the efforts against forced labor. Making the laws more understandable was another useful strategy to facilitate the process of educating the public, members noted.

The Governing Body's Committee on Freedom of Association also warned Belarus and Venezuela to modify legislation and practices that limit the freedom of trade unions. The chairman of the Committee, Engelen Kefer referred to the issues as "serious and urgent."