CMNT_TITLE

Social Policy (Basic Aims and Standards) Convention, 1962 (No. 117) - Syrian Arab Republic (RATIFICATION: 1964)

Parts I and II of the Convention. Articles 1 and 2. General principles. Improvement of standards of living. The Committee is conscious of the economic crisis that the country is facing, referenced in its comments under Convention No. 95; the ongoing armed conflict; and the resulting humanitarian situation. The Government indicates in its report that in spite of the current situation and the ongoing war in the country, the Syrian Arab Republic continues to protect and care for vulnerable categories of persons, through provision of periodic benefits and necessary health care. The Government refers to its commitments under the Millennium Development Goals relating to poverty alleviation under two consecutive five-year plans and the Decent Work Country Programme (DWCP), which cover the period up to the year 2015, which seek to achieve social justice, regional development, poverty and unemployment reduction, as well as the participation of the majority of society’s segments in the economic cycle. The Government further indicates that the plans are based on general principles that include the improvement and expansion of income-generating opportunities and the reduction of vulnerability and protection of the poor from social costs that could result from economic reforms. All sectors of the national economy are directed to poverty alleviation and the deployment of efforts to provide job opportunities for each citizen able to work and interested in working. The Committee renews its request for the Government to provide updated information on the manner in which the implementation of the five-year development plans and the Decent Work Country Programme (DWCP) has contributed to “the improvement of standards of living” which, in accordance with Article 2 of the Convention, are to be “regarded as the principal objective in the planning of economic development”.

While acknowledging the complexity of the situation prevailing on the ground due to the presence of armed groups and armed conflict in the country, the Committee trusts that the Government will make all efforts to bring its law and practice into conformity with the Convention.