Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2020, published 109th ILC session (2021)

Syrian Arab Republic

Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81) (Ratification: 1960)
Labour Inspection (Agriculture) Convention, 1969 (No. 129) (Ratification: 1972)

In order to provide a comprehensive view of the issues relating to the application of the ratified Conventions on labour inspection, the Committee considers it appropriate to examine Conventions Nos. 81 (labour inspection) and 129 (labour inspection (agriculture)) together.

The Committee acknowledges the complexity of the situation prevailing on the ground due to the presence of armed groups and armed conflict in the country.

Articles 4 and 5 of Convention No. 81 and Articles 7 and 12 of Convention No. 129. Labour inspection structure and organization. In its previous comment, the Committee noted that the Ministry of Social Affairs was separated from the Ministry of Labour in 2013 and that the new organizational structure of the Ministry of Labour provided for an independent Directorate for labour inspection. The Committee notes the Government’s indications in its report that the Ministry of Social Affairs was re-merged with the Ministry of Labour to create the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labour pursuant to Act No. 16 of 31 July 2016. It further notes that, according to the Government, the labour inspection system in place prior to this merger remains in place, with no changes. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the structure of the labour inspection system within the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labour, including an organizational chart, if available, and information on collaboration between officials of the labour inspection system and employers and workers or their organizations.

Articles 5(a), 20 and 21 of Convention No. 81 and Articles 12(1), 26 and 27 of Convention No. 129. Data on labour inspection to facilitate the preparation of annual labour inspection reports. Following its previous comment, the Committee notes the Government’s indications that efforts have been undertaken to create an automated database of inspection records to the extent currently possible, as a first step to monitoring the situation and compiling labour inspection data at the national level in order to pave the way for the preparation of an annual labour inspection report. It further notes that this database will be developed to contain full data on workplaces once the current crisis in the country ends, as stable and accurate data are not available with accuracy under the present circumstances. Acknowledging the difficult situation prevailing in the country, the Committee encourages the Government to pursue its efforts, and to continue to provide information and indicate any progress made towards the preparation of annual labour inspection reports.

Issues specifically concerning labour inspection in agriculture

Articles 9, 14 and 15 of Convention No. 129. Recruitment and training of labour inspectors specializing in agriculture. Following its previous comment, the Committee notes the Government’s indications that the number of labour inspectors in agriculture decreased from 20 to 13 between 2013 and 2019 and that there are four governorates where there are no labour inspectors deployed. The Committee also notes the Government’s indications that inspectors in agriculture undergo initial and subsequent training and that a number of training courses for agricultural inspectors have been held in recent years with a view to enabling the Ministry to build the capacities of agricultural labour inspectors in four governorates. The Committee encourages the Government to pursue its efforts to ensure that labour inspectors are adequately trained for the performance of their duties in the agricultural sector, and to provide information on the measures taken or envisaged. It requests the Government to continue to provide information on the recruitment of labour inspectors specializing in agriculture, including the number of inspectors.