Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2001, published 90th ILC session (2002)

Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention, 1958 (No. 111) - Syrian Arab Republic (Ratification: 1960)

The Committee notes the Government’s report and the attached documents, including the information provided in response to the Committee’s previous direct request.

1. The Committee notes the continuing statements of the Government to the effect that discrimination on the grounds listed in Article 1(1)(a) of the Convention does not exist in the Syrian Arab Republic and that no further measures are necessary, given that the principle of equality was embodied already in national legislation. The Committee reiterates its view that such an attitude is difficult to accept, since no society is free from discrimination and because a denial of the existence of discrimination is a serious obstacle to addressing it and to making progress in promoting equality of opportunity and treatment. The Committee also recalls that the application of the principles of the Convention is achieved in successive stages, with each stage being the occasion for the discovery of perspectives revealing different and new problems, thereby resulting in the adoption of new measures to resolve them. Articles 2 and 3 require the taking of positive and proactive measures to promote equality in employment and occupation. The Committee once again hopes that the Government, in its next report, will be in a position to provide information allowing an evaluation of the progress achieved in attaining equality in employment and occupation on the basis of all the grounds set out in the Convention.

2. The Committee notes from the report that the Women’s National Committee, in cooperation with the competent ministries and popular organizations are responsible for the implementation of the national strategy for women and that the strategy was circulated to all relevant official bodies and national organizations. The Committee also notes the information provided on the role and composition of the Women’s Federation, whose objective is to develop women’s experience to enable them to participate effectively and fully in the political, cultural, economic and social life and to take action to remove barriers hindering women’s development. The Committee welcomes the Government’s intention to address existing inequalities affecting women’s development. Noting that no information was provided on measures actually taken with a view to implementing the national strategy for women, the Committee invites the Government to supply concrete examples of action taken by the responsible authorities towards its implementation, including those measures taken concerning the abovementioned objectives. The Government is further asked to continue to provide statistical information on the participation of women in employment and occupation, including the distribution of men and women in the various areas of economic activity and occupational groups and at the decision-making and management levels.

3. The Committee refers to its previous request concerning measures to promote the participation of women in non-traditional training. The Committee notes that the literacy rate among females aged 15 to 24 increased from 82.1 per cent in 1994 to 89.2 per cent in 1998. It notes that the training for women in non-traditional fields receives great support from the political leadership. The Committee notes that the Fourth Conference on Education Development in the Syrian Arab Republic held in 1998, adopted several recommendations in regard to improving attention to non-traditional education for women and that vocational training centres are established under the Ministry of Industry. The Committee requests the Government to provide a list of the recommendations made by the Fourth Conference on Educational Development related to promoting equal access of women to training and education, as well as information on any follow-up action taken. The Committee also requests the Government to continue to provide statistical information on the participation of women in training and education at all levels and in the various specializations, including in respect to vocational training centres.

4. The Government is requested to provide information on cooperation and specific activities carried out by the social partners to promote application of the Convention.