IFJ condemns Syrian government’s dissolution of journalists’ union
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) condemned on Wednesday the Syrian caretaker government’s decision to dissolve the General Assembly of the Syrian Journalists’ Union (SJU), describing the move as unacceptable and a direct constraint on the independence of trade unions.
In a letter, the IFJ, representing 600,000 journalists across 148 countries, voiced its staunch opposition to Prime Ministerial Decree No. 53, which not only dissolved the SJU but also appointed external figures to oversee the union and organize a new conference.
Last week, the caretaker government disbanded the SJU and replaced it with a temporary seven-member office to manage its functions.
The federation decried this as a clear act of government interference in trade union affairs, contradicting international agreements and treaties ratified by Syria, including those of the International Labour Organization.
The IFJ further stated, “We sincerely hope that your government is not using the old law […] to set up a journalists’ trade union movement that aims to serve the new Syrian government’s policies and agenda, rather than defending journalists’ social and professional rights.”
The letter warned that relying on such laws indicates a dangerous willingness to employ repressive measures designed to stifle freedom of expression and independent journalism.
The IFJ called for the immediate reversal of this decision and urged that the union be allowed to conduct a consultative process involving all trade union organizations affiliated with the IFJ in Syria, as well as other relevant bodies, without discrimination.