We are writing on behalf of IndustriALL Global Union and industriAll European Trade Union, both representing millions of workers in mining, energy and manufacturing industries in Europe and worldwide, to call on the Turkish Government to cease its unilateral military operation in north-eastern Syria and withdraw from the area immediately.
We are deeply concerned about the potential escalation of the conflict with the involvement of the Syrian regime’s military forces on the ground. This is why we condemn the Turkish military operation in north-eastern Syria, which is in flagrant violation of international laws, particularly United Nations’ resolutions, including Security Council Resolution 2254.
President Erdogan’s decision to enter north-eastern Syria by using military force seriously undermines the stability of the whole region, further exacerbates civilian suffering, in particular the Kurdish population and other people living in the area, and forces even larger number of people to become internally displaced persons and refugees. Furthermore, if undeterred, the military operation will wreak the most havoc on the civilian population, and affect the economy of the region, including Turkey, and workers will suffer as well.
We strongly stand for peace and freedoms and against any kind of violence and terrorism. As trade unions, we always support dialogue and negotiation for settling conflicts, in full respect of international law. We call on all parties to resolve their differences through peaceful methods by securing the life of people, and respecting fundamental human rights.
Therefore, IndustriALL Global Union and industriAll European Trade Union call for a political and diplomatic solution to the conflict, under the aegis of the United Nations, which should include the immediate cessation of hostilities and withdrawal of the Turkish troops from north-eastern Syria, to ensure peace and stability in Syria and the whole region.
Valter Sanches, General Secretary, IndustriALL Global Union
Luc Triangle, General Secretary, IndustriAll European Trade Union
See the Joint Declaration here.
Contact communication officer Andrea Husen-Bradley for more information or further comment.