Sam Gurney
The atmosphere in the main hall at the UN Palais in Geneva yesterday morning was electric, and speaking from experience, on the last day of the annual three week International Labour Conference that’s not something you can usually say. The reason for the buzz was the appearance of Aung San Suu Kyi to address the gathered representatives of workers, employers and governments from 184 ILO member states. She did not disappoint, her calm yet forceful and determined delivery held the room in total silence.
Ms Suu Kyi gave a heartfelt thanks the ILO and its constituents for the support and campaigning on Burma initiated by the 1997 commission of inquiry on forced labour and noted the commitments now given by the Burmese government to fulfil its action plan on total elimination by 2015. The main focus of her address was on the need for Burma to continue on the path to full political, economic and social rights for all its people.
