The head of the Workers’ Union calls from Cairo for the lifting of sanctions on Syria

Fawaz al-Ahmad, the president of the General Federation of Trade Unions in Syria, has urged for the removal of all sanctions imposed on the Syrian state.

He stated that these sanctions significantly impact citizens’ lives, livelihoods, dignity, and hinder the legitimate efforts of the Syrian government in rebuilding and achieving economic recovery.

Syria participated in the Arab Labor Conference held in Cairo, where Al-Ahmad delivered a speech emphasizing the importance of this participation at a critical time as Syria gradually emerges from the long-lasting effects of war, which have disrupted various aspects of economic, social, and labor life.

He highlighted the disastrous impact of the previous regime in tearing apart the national fabric, destroying the economic structure, and turning trade unions and popular organizations into mere formal tools that lack independence and do not truly represent the interests of workers.

Al-Ahmad praised the Syrian government’s determined steps towards rebuilding the state on democratic foundations. He stressed the need to prioritize the independence of the trade union movement and ensure freedom of organization. This would establish an effective partnership among unions, the government, and employers.

He expressed hope for support from Arab and international labor organizations in reconstructing Syrian trade unions by updating laws, training staff, monitoring performance, and promoting a democratic and independent trade union movement. Additionally, he emphasized the need to empower Syrian working women and activate their leadership roles within organizations. He further called for developing programs in Syria that address current challenges and meet the real needs of the working class. This includes linking small and medium-sized enterprises to major productive sectors, promoting industrial integration, and creating new job opportunities to reduce unemployment and achieve balanced economic development across all Syrian regions.

Al-Ahmad pointed out that this new phase requires exceptional economic and social strategies that can effectively deal with the war’s aftermath, reintegrate affected communities, and revitalize the local economy. He asserted that adopting an early economic recovery approach is crucial for successful reconstruction.

In his speech, Al-Ahmad also addressed the ongoing attacks by Israel, calling on the international community to hold Israel accountable to international law and to put an end to its repeated assaults on Syria.

Amal Farhat

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