Editorial: Stand with Myanmar’s people for democracy and against the military junta

Ahead of military junta-led elections at the end of 2025, and on the occasion of the International Day of Democracy, the IUF calls on the international community to recognize Myanmar's National Unity Government and reject the voting exercise planned for December as illegitimate.

Since the military coup of February 2021, the people of Myanmar have endured relentless repression, grave human rights violations, and the systematic dismantling of democratic institutions. The military junta's sustained attacks on civil society, workers, trade unions, and political voices represent not only a direct assault on fundamental rights but also a blatant violation of international law and the principles of human dignity.

At our 28th Congress in the summer of 2023, the IUF spoke forcefully against false pretences to democratic progress in Myanmar, adopting a resolution urging governments to keep up the pressure on the military junta: "Congress calls for an escalation of far-reaching sanctions on all businesses investing in and trading with Myanmar, especially those with direct or indirect links with the military, military-owned businesses or their cronies."

In June 2025, the International Labour Conference invoked its Article 33 procedure against Myanmar in response to violations of the freedom of association. This extraordinary measure - used only once before in the ILO's history - highlights the gravity of the situation. Governments, employers, and workers' organizations worldwide must now act on the Article 33 measures. We must all do our part to deny legitimacy to the military regime and to support the democratic aspirations of the people of Myanmar.

The situation in Myanmar serves as a stark reminder that democracy cannot thrive under military rule and must be actively defended through global solidarity and action.

The IUF condemns the elections scheduled to begin on December 28, 2025, which the military junta seeks to use as a tool to entrench its illegitimate rule. These elections cannot be considered free, fair, or credible under conditions of military control, political imprisonment, media censorship, and widespread violence.

Efforts to restore democracy must also address the Rohingya crisis - one of the most severe and long-standing humanitarian emergencies in the region. A truly inclusive and democratic future for Myanmar must be built on genuine equality and the unhindered access of all the people of Myanmar to their rights, without discrimination or exclusion based on ethnicity or religion.

The international community has a moral and legal obligation to ensure that democracy and human rights are restored in Myanmar. We at the IUF reaffirm our unwavering support for Myanmar's democratic forces, including trade unions.

- Kristjan Bragason, Acting General Secretary