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© FEMNET

A report by our co-worker, Ohnmar Khin.

Two years ago, the military in Myanmar violently couped itself to power. After just a few days, there were countless arrests and deaths during demonstrations against the regime. At the forefront are textile workers who work in factories of international companies and continue to take to the streets today despite the great danger. At the same time, all Burmese in the country lack the most essential: The cost of living has exploded due to inflation and there is no longer sufficient medical care in the country. Many do not have the financial means to flee and those who manage to do so face new challenges and have to fear far away for their future and that of their families.

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© Somo ⁇ Maartje Theuws

With the executions of the four activists at the end of July, the violence of the military regime in Myanmar has reached a new, sad climax. De facto head of government Aung San Suu Kyi was sentenced to another six years in prison. The situation of Myanmar's textile workers is also becoming increasingly threatening. Raids and arrests in the factories are on the rise. At the same time, labour rights are curtailed, wages are cut and unrealistic production targets are set.

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© Myanmar now media

On 1 February 2021, the military couped in Myanmar, arrested the elected members of the government and took power. Four days later, a general strike began with numerous street protests, known as the Civil Disobedience Movement. At the forefront are Myanmar's textile workers. To this day, their protest is violently suppressed, trade unionists arrested and killed. International brands must act and stop production in Myanmar to weaken the military regime.

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© FEMNET

Threats and job losses persist, health status of imprisoned trade unionist critical

After it became quieter in the meantime in the reporting of the situation in Myanmar, atrocities of the military once again shape the headlines. The textile workers in particular are suffering from the continuing uncertain situation. Trade unions are calling for economic sanctions against the country and the military, which has now also led to the repositioning of some multi-stakeholder initiatives and brands. Human rights organizations, meanwhile, are calling for the release of the sick imprisoned trade unionist Myo Aye.

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The situation in Myanmar has calmed down. But the country and its people continue to suffer from the violent reprisals of the military. Speaking to the international trade union federation IndustriALL, trade union president Khaing Zar explains why internal resistance alone is not enough.

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The military coup that took place at the beginning of February has severe consequences for the textile workers in Myanmar. Many workers have lost their jobs, trade unionists are persecuted and have to go into hiding. Since June, the number of coronavirus cases has also increased, making the situation of people fighting for democracy in their country more difficult. The military is using the pandemic as a weapon against the people and making access to medical care more difficult.

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India is currently the world's most affected country by the coronavirus. The high number of cases and deaths and the resulting lockdowns have a serious impact on textile workers. According to FEMNET's partner organizations, these are under a high psychological burden. In addition, they are exposed to an increased risk of infection due to their work and housing situation. The restrictions also lead to the accumulation of child labour.

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For more than three months, the people of Myanmar have been fighting against the tyranny of the military. Peaceful protesters within the Civil disobedience movements (CDM) to the "Spring Revolution".

Since the beginning of the takeover by the military on February 1, according to the AAPP (Assistance Association for Political Prisoners759 civilians were murdered by the coup. Activists and trade unionists are the focus of the persecution. In mid-March, the military regime declared a number of labour rights organizations illegal, including eight partner organizations of the Clean clothes campaign. In order to avoid reprisals and arrests, most people only have to go underground.

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This and other photos/videos on the Facebook page of the IMFM

Since the military coup on 1 February 2021, people in Myanmar have been resisting the military takeover, with street rallies, strikes and noise protests. Workers from all sectors of the economy join the protests and the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM). Textile workers also follow the resistance to restore democracy and call for international solidarity.

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