Tripartite Consultation (International Labour Standards) Convention, 1976 (No. 144) - Syrian Arab Republic (Ratification: 1985)

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2025, published 114th ILC session (2026)

The Committee notes that, since December 2024, the Syrian Arab Republic has been undergoing a transitional phase that affects all its constitutional and legal structures.

Article 5 of the Convention – Effective Tripartite Consultations. Free choice of representatives. Administrative support and financing of training. The Committee observes that, by Decision No. 1534 of 27 April 2025, the transitional Government re-established the Consultative Council on Social Dialogue. This Council is composed of high-level representatives, including the President of the General Federation of Workers’ Trade Unions and the Presidents of the employers' organizations’ federations in the sectors of industry, commerce, tourism, and agriculture. This composition is intended to strengthen the Council’s effectiveness and ensure the optimal implementation of its recommendations. The Committee further notes that one of the Council’s responsibilities is to organize dialogue sessions with employers’ and workers’ organizations to raise awareness of the legislation governing the labour market, thereby promoting compliance with the laws and regulations in force. Finally, the Committee acknowledges the transitional Government’s desire for continued engagement and assistance from the ILO, especially in the development of coherent and harmonized labour legislation and policies. Such support would contribute to greater transparency and accountability in the fields of labour and business; help identify challenges and opportunities for improving conditions in these sectors; and assist the Government in its efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals related to decent work and economic growth.

The Committee welcomes the re-establishment of the Consultative Council. While it takes due note of the Government’s indication that this body is meant to focus on awareness-raising on existing legislation, the Committee recalls that this does not constitute “effective consultation” as defined by the Convention. The Committee recalls, in this context, its 2000 General Survey which clarifies that for consultations to be effective, the social partners must be able to put forward their opinions before the government takes its final decision. Furthermore, the Committee wishes to emphasize that the obligation of effective tripartite consultation is of heightened importance during periods of transition and recovery. As underscored by the Employment and Decent Work for Peace and Resilience Recommendation, 2017 (No. 205), social dialogue is a foundational pillar for designing responsive and sustainable recovery strategies. The Committee therefore considers that adherence to the consultative procedures of Convention No. 144 is a vital mechanism to ensure that the new legislative framework enjoys broad legitimacy and supports the recovery.

The Committee trusts that the technical assistance provided by the Office will support the country in fulfilling its ILO related obligations, including those under the present Convention. In this regard, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on the following:

• The content of consultations: Please provide detailed information on the consultations held specifically on the matters listed in Article 5(1). Please provide examples of how the views of the social partners have influenced the Government’s final decisions during this transitional period.
• Free choice of representatives (Article 3): Recalling that Article 3(1) requires representatives to be “freely chosen” by their representative organizations, the Committee requests the Government to indicate how it ensures that the composition of the re-established Council reflects the current diversity of the employers’ and workers’ interests in the country, and that these organizations enjoy the necessary independence to participate effectively.
• Administrative support and financing of training: Please indicate what financial and administrative resources (such as secretarial support) have been allocated to the re-established Council to ensure it can function effectively during this challenging transitional phase (Article 4(1)). Please describe any arrangements made for the financing of any necessary training of participants on the consultative procedures.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2024, published 113rd ILC session (2025)

The Committee notes with deep concern that the Government’s report has not been received. It expects that the next report will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous comments. The Committee informs the Government that, if it has not supplied replies to the points raised by 1 September 2025, then it may proceed with the examination of the application of the Convention on the basis of the information at its disposal at its next session.

Repetition

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

Article 5 of the Convention. Effective tripartite consultation. The Committee notes the information contained in the Government’s report received in October 2018. In particular, it notes the establishment of the Consultative Council for Consultation and Social Dialogue pursuant to Order No. 826 of 9 March 2015, issued by the Minister of Labour, amending the former decisions on the composition of the Council. The Government adds that the Consultative Council is mandated to carry out the activities contemplated in Article 5 of the Convention. The Committee notes that discussions were held in the Consultative Council for Consultation and Social Dialogue on matters related to international labour standards covered by the Convention, including, inter alia: discussions on the preparation of reports on ratified Conventions due in 2018; discussions concerning the agenda of the 107th Session of the International Labour Conference (June 2018); and discussions concerning the submission of ILO instruments to the People’s Assembly. The Consultative Council also discussed the work of the Wage Committees in the various governorates, as well as the work of the special committee tasked to establish and revise the minimum wage for each occupation, according to each governorate. The Government indicates that its report was prepared in collaboration with the most representative employers’ and workers’ organizations; the Ministry of Industry; the Federation of Chambers of Industry; the Federation of Syrian Chambers of Commerce; and the Confederation of Trade Unions. The report was then submitted to the Consultative Council. The Government undertakes to keep the ILO informed of any new legislation or other developments relating to the application of the Convention. The Committee requests the Government to provide detailed updated information on the specific content and outcomes of the tripartite consultations held in the Consultative Council for Consultation and Social Dialogue on the matters related to international labour standards covered by Article 5(1) of the Convention. The Committee further requests the Government to indicate the frequency of the consultations held, as well as to provide information regarding the current composition of the Consultative Council.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2023, published 112nd ILC session (2024)

The Committee notes with concern that the Government’s report has not been received. It expects that the next report will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous comments.

Repetition

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

Article 5 of the Convention. Effective tripartite consultation. The Committee notes the information contained in the Government’s report received in October 2018. In particular, it notes the establishment of the Consultative Council for Consultation and Social Dialogue pursuant to Order No. 826 of 9 March 2015, issued by the Minister of Labour, amending the former decisions on the composition of the Council. The Government adds that the Consultative Council is mandated to carry out the activities contemplated in Article 5 of the Convention. The Committee notes that discussions were held in the Consultative Council for Consultation and Social Dialogue on matters related to international labour standards covered by the Convention, including, inter alia: discussions on the preparation of reports on ratified Conventions due in 2018; discussions concerning the agenda of the 107th Session of the International Labour Conference (June 2018); and discussions concerning the submission of ILO instruments to the People’s Assembly. The Consultative Council also discussed the work of the Wage Committees in the various governorates, as well as the work of the special committee tasked to establish and revise the minimum wage for each occupation, according to each governorate. The Government indicates that its report was prepared in collaboration with the most representative employers’ and workers’ organizations; the Ministry of Industry; the Federation of Chambers of Industry; the Federation of Syrian Chambers of Commerce; and the Confederation of Trade Unions. The report was then submitted to the Consultative Council. The Government undertakes to keep the ILO informed of any new legislation or other developments relating to the application of the Convention. The Committee requests the Government to provide detailed updated information on the specific content and outcomes of the tripartite consultations held in the Consultative Council for Consultation and Social Dialogue on the matters related to international labour standards covered by Article 5(1) of the Convention. The Committee further requests the Government to indicate the frequency of the consultations held, as well as to provide information regarding the current composition of the Consultative Council.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2022, published 111st ILC session (2023)

The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that the next report will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous comments.

Repetition

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

Article 5 of the Convention. Effective tripartite consultation. The Committee notes the information contained in the Government’s report received in October 2018. In particular, it notes the establishment of the Consultative Council for Consultation and Social Dialogue pursuant to Order No. 826 of 9 March 2015, issued by the Minister of Labour, amending the former decisions on the composition of the Council. The Government adds that the Consultative Council is mandated to carry out the activities contemplated in Article 5of the Convention. The Committee notes that discussions were held in the Consultative Council for Consultation and Social Dialogue on matters related to international labour standards covered by the Convention, including, inter alia: discussions on the preparation of reports on ratified Conventions due in 2018; discussions concerning the agenda of the 107th Session of the International Labour Conference (June 2018); and discussions concerning the submission of ILO instruments to the People’s Assembly. The Consultative Council also discussed the work of the Wage Committees in the various governorates, as well as the work of the special committee tasked to establish and revise the minimum wage for each occupation, according to each governorate. The Government indicates that its report was prepared in collaboration with the most representative employers’ and workers’ organizations; the Ministry of Industry; the Federation of Chambers of Industry; the Federation of Syrian Chambers of Commerce; and the Confederation of Trade Unions. The report was then submitted to the Consultative Council. The Government undertakes to keep the ILO informed of any new legislation or other developments relating to the application of the Convention.The Committee requests the Government to provide detailed updated information on the specific content and outcomes of the tripartite consultations held in the Consultative Council for Consultation and Social Dialogue on the matters related to international labour standards covered by Article 5(1) of the Convention. The Committee further requests the Government to indicate the frequency of the consultations held, as well as to provide information regarding the current composition of the Consultative Council.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2019, published 109th ILC session (2021)

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

Article 5 of the Convention. Effective tripartite consultation. The Committee notes the information contained in the Government’s report received in October 2018. In particular, it notes the establishment of the Consultative Council for Consultation and Social Dialogue pursuant to Order No. 826 of 9 March 2015, issued by the Minister of Labour, amending the former decisions on the composition of the Council. The Government adds that the Consultative Council is mandated to carry out the activities contemplated in Article 5 of the Convention. The Committee notes that discussions were held in the Consultative Council for Consultation and Social Dialogue on matters related to international labour standards covered by the Convention, including, inter alia: discussions on the preparation of reports on ratified Conventions due in 2018; discussions concerning the agenda of the 107th Session of the International Labour Conference (June 2018); and discussions concerning the submission of ILO instruments to the People’s Assembly. The Consultative Council also discussed the work of the Wage Committees in the various governorates, as well as the work of the special committee tasked to establish and revise the minimum wage for each occupation, according to each governorate. The Government indicates that its report was prepared in collaboration with the most representative employers’ and workers’ organizations; the Ministry of Industry; the Federation of Chambers of Industry; the Federation of Syrian Chambers of Commerce; and the Confederation of Trade Unions. The report was then submitted to the Consultative Council. The Government undertakes to keep the ILO informed of any new legislation or other developments relating to the application of the Convention. The Committee requests the Government to provide detailed updated information on the specific content and outcomes of the tripartite consultations held in the Consultative Council for Consultation and Social Dialogue on the matters related to international labour standards covered by Article 5(1) of the Convention. The Committee further requests the Government to indicate the frequency of the consultations held, as well as to provide information regarding the current composition of the Consultative Council.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2017, published 107th ILC session (2018)

The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that the next report will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous comments initially made in 2015. The Committee also notes that the Government has been requested to provide information to the Committee on the Application of Standards at the 106th Session of the International Labour Conference for failure to supply reports and information on the application of ratified Conventions.

Repetition

Article 5 of the Convention. Effective tripartite consultation. The Committee notes that the Consultative Council for Consultation and Social Dialogue held consultations on the matters covered by the Convention. The Government indicates in its report that, following consultations through the Consultative Council, the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC, 2006), was ratified by virtue of Legislative Decree No. 18 of 11 May 2014. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the tripartite consultations held on the matters covered by the Convention.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2015, published 105th ILC session (2016)

Article 5 of the Convention. Effective tripartite consultation. The Committee notes that the Consultative Council for Consultation and Social Dialogue held consultations on the matters covered by the Convention. The Government indicates in its report that, following consultations through the Consultative Council, the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC, 2006), was ratified by virtue of Legislative Decree No. 18 of 11 May 2014. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the tripartite consultations held on the matters covered by the Convention.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2014, published 104th ILC session (2015)

The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous comments.

Repetition

Article 5(1) of the Convention. Effective tripartite consultations. The Committee noted the Government’s report received in August 2010. The Committee invites the Government to provide information on the content and outcome of tripartite consultations held on all the matters covered by the Convention.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2010, published 100th ILC session (2011)

Tripartite consultations required by the Convention. ILO assistance. The Committee notes the Government’s report received in August 2010. The Government indicates that, regarding the submission of unratified international labour Conventions to the National Assembly, a tripartite workshop was held in May 2010, in which the National Tripartite and Social Dialogue Committee participated. ILO technical assistance was requested in order to reach a solution with respect to the observance of the provisions of the Convention and of the ILO Constitution. The Committee trusts that the Government and the social partners will receive the ILO assistance requested. It invites the Government to continue to provide information on the content and outcome of tripartite consultations held, in particular within the National Tripartite and Social Dialogue Committee, on all the matters set out in Article 5(1) of the Convention.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2008, published 98th ILC session (2009)

The Committee notes the report received in August 2008 which contains detailed information on the activities of the National Tripartite Committee for Consultation and Dialogue set up by virtue of Order No. 136 of 2008. It refers to its long-standing comments on the obligation to submit the instruments adopted by the Conference to the People’s Council, and notes with interest that the National Tripartite Committee held discussions on resolving this issue. It would appreciate continuing to receive up to date information in the Government’s next report on the tripartite consultations held, in particular in the National Tripartite Committee, on all the matters listed in Article 5, paragraph 1, of the Convention.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2006, published 96th ILC session (2007)

Tripartite consultations required by the Convention. The Committee notes the Government’s reply to its previous direct request indicating that the National Tripartite Committee for Consultation and Dialogue deals with all the matters on international labour standards covered by the Convention. It further notes Ministerial Resolution No. 1116 of 29 May 2005 nominating the representatives of governmental authorities and of employers’ and workers’ organizations to the National Tripartite Committee for Consultation and Dialogue. The Committee once again requests the Government to supply information in its next report on the content of the consultations held in the National Tripartite Committee for Consultation and Dialogue on each of the matters set out in Article 5, paragraph 1, of the Convention. Please also specify the nature of the reports or recommendations resulting from the activities of the above National Tripartite Committee.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2004, published 93rd ILC session (2005)

Consultations under a new tripartite committee and consultations required by the Convention. The Committee notes the Government’s report received in September 2004 and, in particular, resolution No. 94 establishing, in January 2004, a tripartite committee for consultation and social dialogue, which, pursuant to article 2 of this resolution, is responsible for consultations on the matters set out in Article 5, paragraph 1, of the Convention. It requests the Government to supply detailed information in its next report on the consultations held, particularly within the tripartite committee for consultation and social dialogue, on each of the matters set out in Article 5, paragraph 1, of the Convention. Please also specify the nature of the reports or recommendations resulting from the activities of the abovementioned tripartite committee, particularly as they pertain to the preparation of an annual report on the working of the procedures provided for in the Convention (Article 6).

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

1. The Committee notes the Government’s report received in August 2001 and the provisions of Decision No. 1290 of 7 October 2000 by which the Minister of Social Affairs and Labour had established a tripartite committee for consultation and dialogue from September to December 2000. The Committee’s mandate includes consultations on all the matters covered by the Convention. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would indicate if the mandate of the tripartite committee has been renewed. It refers to its 1999 direct request and once again asks the Government to give particulars of the consultations held, during the period covered by the next report, on each of the matters set out in Article 5, paragraph 1, of the Convention, including information as to the frequency of such consultations and the nature of any reports or recommendations made as a result of the consultations.

2. Please also supply information on the consultations held with the representative organizations on the appropriateness of issuing an annual report in accordance with Article 6.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1999, published 88th ILC session (2000)

The Committee takes note of the Government's report on the application of the Convention. It notes the information supplied on the manner in which the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labour is doing its utmost to ensure the application of the Convention, through regular consultations with employers and workers representative organizations on questions covered by the Convention, in particular within the Tripartite Consultation and Dialogue Committee. The Committee notes however that for a number of years the Government's reports do not contain the information required in the report form under Article 5 of the Convention. It wishes to remind the Government once more of the particular importance it attaches to the submission of full and detailed reports on the consultations undertaken on the questions under paragraph 1 of Article 5, in order to gain an exact appreciation of the effect given to the Convention in practice. Furthermore, with reference to its direct request of 1997, in which, at the request of the Government, it had recalled the difference in purpose between the annual report provided for in Article 6 of the Convention, and the reports on the application of the Convention sent to the ILO under article 22 of the ILO Constitution, the Committee requests it to supply all pertinent information on action taken pursuant to this explanation.

The Committee trusts the Government will take due account of these comments and that its subsequent reports will contain all the information required by the report form on the application of the Convention.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1997, published 86th ILC session (1998)

The Committee notes the Government's brief communication in reply to its previous direct request. The Government indicates that it will supply regularly the information required by the report form on the application of the Convention. The Committee notes these indications and trusts that the Government will not fail to supply in its next report complete and detailed information on the consultations undertaken in the tripartite consultation committee, the establishment of which it had noted with interest in its previous direct request.

Furthermore, the Committee notes the request for clarification expressed by the Government on the production of an annual report on the working of the consultation procedures provided for in the Convention. The Committee wishes to recall the difference in purpose between the annual report provided for in Article 6 of the Convention and the reports on the application of the Convention sent to the ILO which are submitted under article 22 of the ILO Constitution which follow a specified frequency. The latter are intended to enable this Committee and the Conference Committeeon the Application of Standards to ascertain the manner in which the obligations under ratified Conventions are fulfilled. The chief purpose of the annual report provided under Article 6 of the Convention, however, is to allow dissemination of information concerning tripartite consultations on the ILO's standard-setting activities within the country. It may also give information on the effectiveness of the procedures used and allow them to be adapted where necessary. Article 6 is worded in a flexible manner in order to allow the Government to decide whether it is necessary to issue such a report, it being understood that the representative organizations must be consulted on the matter. Finally, with regard to the form which the report may take, the Committee considers it useful to specify that it does not necessarily have to be a printed publication but may, for instance, be a section of an annual report of the Ministry of Labour devoted to the working of consultation procedures. The Committee trusts that in the light of these explanations the Government's next report will provide information on consultations undertaken on this matter.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1995, published 82nd ILC session (1995)

The Committee notes the Government's report on the application of the Convention, which merely refers to information supplied earlier.

The Committee feels that it is nevertheless bound to stress the importance it attaches to monitoring application of the Convention, particularly the provisions of Article 5, paragraph 1. Recalling that under paragraph 2 of this Article consultations must take place at least once a year, the Committee notes that no new information has been supplied since the report dated 2 November 1988 which indicated, amongst other things, that tripartite consultations were to be held on the question of preparing an annual report as required by Article 6 of the Convention.

Accordingly, the Committee would be grateful if the Government would indicate the results of the above consultations on this matter and provide the information required on consultations held during the period covered by the report on each of the questions referred to in Article 5, paragraph 1, including information on the frequency of such consultations. Lastly, please indicate the nature of any reports or recommendations resulting from the consultations.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1995, published 83rd ILC session (1996)

The Committee notes the Government's report. It also notes with interest Order No. 1214 of 30 October 1995 establishing a tripartite consultation committee. It notes that this body will be competent to examine the questions covered by Article 5, paragraph 1, of the Convention as well as Arab Labour Conventions and Recommendations (section 2 of the Order). The Committee notes, furthermore, that the tripartite committee will meet at least twice a year and as often as necessary, when convened by the President or Vice-President (section 5). It hopes that the frequency of this committee's meetings regarding the Convention will be at least once a year as prescribed in Article 5, paragraph 2, and that the Government will not fail to send regular and full information to the Office on the consultations held during the periods covered by each of its forthcoming reports.

The Committee wishes to emphasize again in this respect the special importance it attaches to regular communication of the information required under article 5 of the report form.

In view of the establishment of the new consultation procedure, the Committee would be grateful if the Government would also supply information on the consultations regarding the advisability of producing an annual report on the working of the procedures provided for in the Convention, in keeping with Article 6.

Finally, the Committee would be grateful if the Government would indicate, as required under point VI of the report form, whether it has received from employers' or workers' organizations any observations, either of a general kind or in connection with the next or the previous report, regarding the practical application of the provisions of the Convention or the application of the legislation or other measures implementing the Convention. If so, please communicate the observations received, together with any comments you consider useful.