Defending Democracy and Dignity at Work in Rojava and Syria

The IUF expresses deep concern about implications of recent political developments in Syria for workers' rights, democratic participation, and trade union freedoms, including in Rojava, formally referred to as the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria.

Rojava has been widely discussed as an effort to develop more inclusive and participatory forms of local governance in a context marked by war and instability. Under extremely difficult conditions, workers, women's organizations, and local communities sought to build structures rooted in grassroots participation, gender equality, ethnic and religious pluralism, and cooperative economic practices.

Workers pursued forms of collective organization and participation in public life, aiming to strengthen social justice and democratic accountability. Women's leadership and effort to institutionalize gender parity became defining features of these processes, reshaping public life and contributing to broader discussion within democratic and labour movements globally. Rojava has also reflected multi-ethnic social reality.

The IUF recalls that freedom of association, the right to collective bargaining, and the autonomy of trade unions are core principles of international labour standards and must be respected throughout Syria. As new political and administrative arrangements take shape, it is essential that workers' organizations in Rojava and elsewhere are not subjected to repression, forced incorporation into state-controlled structures, or other measures that could undermine their self-determination.

The IUF notes the concerns raised by Education International, regarding the vital role of public services educators, and trade union freedoms in sustaining democratic development and social cohesion. These principles apply across all regions and sectors.

We stress the importance of reducing military tensions and protecting civilian life and we encourage the international community to pursue multilateral mechanisms to help stabilize the region and protect the rights and safety of all communities. Respect for Syria's sovereignty and internationally recognized borders remains essential for a peaceful and democratic transition.

We express solidarity with all workers in Syria. Defending workers' rights and union freedoms in Rojava and across Syria is a shared responsibility of the global labour movement. We call on governments, international institutions, and trade union organizations worldwide to uphold these principles in both words and action.