Strengthening Labour Inspection and Occupational Safety in Syria

The International Labour Organization (ILO) has launched a new project aimed at enhancing labour inspection and occupational safety in Syria. The project, which is being implemented with the support of the ILO’s Regular Budget Supplementary Account (RBSA), aims to reduce the impacts of COVID-19 in the workplace and promote decent work for all.

Background

Syria’s labour sector has been facing several challenges imposed by the pandemic, including inadequate labour inspection systems and occupational safety measures. The project addresses these challenges and some of the longer-term decent work priorities of Syria, focusing on strengthening the labour inspection system and improving occupational safety and health through national policy development and capacity building.

Project Objectives

The ultimate goal of the project is to contribute to national socioeconomic development through enhanced workplace productivity and competitiveness. Key objectives include:

• Enhancing the effectiveness of labour inspections in line with International Labour Standards, particularly the Labour Inspection Conventions 81 & 129.
• Strengthening the capacity of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labour (MOSAL) on occupational safety and health and the application of relevant international labour standards.
• Improving workplace health standards, emergency preparedness, and response.

Key Activities

The project will implement several key activities, including:

• Training workers’ and employers’ representatives on awareness-raising materials, including those on COVID-19 preventive and protective measures.
• Reviewing a 2018 labour inspection assessment to develop a National Labour Inspection Policy and a National Action Plan for reforming labour inspection.
• Working closely with social partners to raise their awareness on labour inspection, OSH, and fundamental principles and rights at work.

Beneficiaries

The ultimate beneficiaries of the project are Syria’s male and female workers, who will benefit from better application of the labour law, improved working conditions, and enhanced protection of their labour rights. Employers will also benefit from better quality advice from labour inspectors on matters such as occupational safety and health and employment relation issues.

Partnerships

The ILO is working closely with the Government of Syria, represented by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labour (MOSAL), employers’ and workers’ organizations to implement the project. Other stakeholders include civil society organizations, collaborating government agencies, and social partners.

Conclusion

The launch of this project marks a significant step towards enhancing labour inspection and occupational safety in Syria. The ILO aims to support Syria in addressing its labour sector challenges and promoting decent work for all, with a positive impact on the country’s workers and employers alike.