"There has been a notable absence of the freedoms of assembly and association during the time of military rule in Burma, especially since the 1988 coup and formation of the SLORC. Under the SPDC these freedoms have been further restricted. The International Labor Organization (ILO) Committee of Experts has criticized the lack of freedom of association in Burma for over 40 years. This was brought to the forefront in 2000, during the time of the ILO?s investigation into the forced labor situation of Burma, when the ILO Conference Committee on the Application of Standards again denounced Burma?s violation of Convention No. 87, which deals with the freedom of association. Labor unions, student unions and private civic associations are banned. No elections are scheduled; none seem likely..."