The ILO’s Committee on Freedom of Association Raises the Alarm Over the Situation of Independent Trade Unions in Algeria.
The Committee on Freedom of Association of the International Labour Organization (ILO) has issued its latest report, No. 411, which provides a detailed examination of the ongoing repression faced by the independent trade union confederation “COSYFOP” in Algeria. The report reinforces mounting international concerns over the alarming deterioration of trade union freedoms in the country, highlighting a pattern of systematic violations targeting the organization and its members, including its president, Mr. Raouf Mellal.
Clear and Explicit Recommendations to the Algerian Government
At the conclusion of its deliberations, the Committee issued a series of serious recommendations, including:
- An explicit call for dialogue between the government and representatives of COSYFOP, without preconditions, with the aim of removing obstacles to the organization's activity.
- The ban on union meetings must be lifted and the Confederation allowed to use its headquarters freely and without interference.
- Cancel the decisions banning a number of union leaders from leaving the country due to their legitimate, peaceful activities.
- Ensure the safe return of Raouf Mellal, Abdelkader Kaoufi, and Hamza Kharoubi to Algeria to exercise their union duties without fear or threat.
- Investigate the repression and violations against trade unionists such as Ali Mammeri, and provide urgent clarifications regarding the charges against them.
Alarming Developments: Repression, Defamation, and Criminalization
The report documented a series of practices described as “deeply troubling,” most notably:
- Mr. Ali Mammeri was arrested and tortured for his trade union and human rights activities.
- Continued prosecution of activists like Amin Fleih, and restrictions on their freedom of movement.
- Criminalizing union activity through serious charges related to “terrorism,” based on Article 87 bis of the Penal Code.
- The authorities' attempt to "clone" a parallel organization called COSYFOP with officially supported leadership to undermine the legitimacy of the leadership elected in 2018.
Legal background and sharp criticism
The Committee confirmed that the Algerian government is violating International Labour Conventions Nos. 87 and 98, which it had previously ratified, and strongly criticizes:
- The government's obstruction of the organization's trade union work
- The application of Law 23-02 is being manipulated selectively in order to stifle independent unions.
- The government denies responsibility for the systematic repression and claims that union activists left the country of their own free will, while testimonies and practices confirm the opposite.
Urgent international call
In the conclusion of its report, the Committee affirmed that the continuation of this situation poses a serious threat to the principles of trade union freedom in Algeria. It called on the government to urgently implement all of its recommendations to ensure a safe environment where workers can freely choose their unions and exercise their rights without fear of retaliation, imprisonment, or defamation.
You can view the full report here.
📬 Did you like this article? Subscribe to our newsletter to receive the latest news and important information directly to your inbox.
Qahairiya Muhammad Munsif... Secretary General of the Culture Sector Employees Syndicate... Thank you for your interest.
We are facing several difficulties in the process of mobilization to join the union of employees of the cultural sector workers due to the fear that exists among the working class of the tyranny of the two officials in charge of spending, who are at the heads of cultural institutions... We are struggling and we will not stop here... Long live the struggle... Long live COSYFOP...