Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2013, published 103rd ILC session (2014)

Labour Inspection (Agriculture) Convention, 1969 (No. 129) - Syrian Arab Republic (Ratification: 1972)

The Committee notes the general human rights situation in the country as referred to in its comments under the Abolition of Forced Labour Convention, 1957 (No. 105). It also notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It must therefore repeat its previous observation, which read as follows:

Repetition

The Committee refers to its observation on the application of the Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81), concerning the follow-up given to the ILO technical assistance in the context of the Decent Work Country Programme, the recommendations of the labour inspection audit and the adoption of the new Labour Code.

The Committee trusts that the active cooperation between the Government and the ILO for the implementation of the recommendations of the labour inspection audit will continue, with due regard for the provisions of this Convention and taking into account the relevant guidelines contained in the Labour Inspection (Agriculture) Recommendation, 1969 (No. 133), as well as those contained in the general observations that the Committee addressed to the governments: in 2007, on the need for effective cooperation between the labour inspection services and the justice system; in 2009 on the importance of having and updating a register of establishments; and, in 2010, on the usefulness of publishing an annual report containing information on labour inspection activities in agriculture, enabling them to evaluate the results of the work they have been assigned and, subsequently, to determine the means necessary to improve their effectiveness.

The Committee requests the Government to inform the ILO of any progress achieved as well as of any difficulties it might have encountered in the implementation of the audit’s recommendations concerning the organization and running of the labour inspection services in agriculture, and to send a copy of any relevant text, in particular the implementing texts provided for under sections 245, 247, 250 and 251 of the new Labour Code.

Articles 14 and 21 of the Convention. Establishing a register of agricultural enterprises and strengthening the labour inspection staff. The Committee notes with interest that, thanks to the cooperation between the Ministry of Agriculture and the provincial directorates of social and labour affairs, the plan to set up a database on agricultural enterprises has advanced to such an extent that it has been possible to establish a list of definitely approved establishments. These enterprises are mainly involved in cattle farming, chicken farming, fish farming and bee-keeping. The Committee notes with interest that other data, on the geographical distribution and type of workers employed in these enterprises, will soon be available. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would indicate in its next report the progress made in this area and to send the ILO a copy of any documents or relevant reports.

The Committee also notes with interest, according to information provided by the Government, that several officials have been recruited and are at present undergoing training, and that they will fill the posts of labour inspectors in agriculture. Furthermore, the provincial directorates of social and labour affairs are being asked to state their needs in terms of inspectors, with a view to the budgetary planning for 2012. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would indicate the number of inspectors recruited and to provide details on the type and duration of their training before being assigned to their post of labour inspector in agriculture.

The Committee hopes that the Government will make every effort to take the necessary action in the near future.