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NORMLEX Home > Country profiles > > Comments > All Comments

Indigenous and Tribal Populations Convention, 1957 (No. 107) - Syrian Arab Republic (RATIFICATION: 1959)

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CMNT_TITLE

The Committee notes with deep concern that the Government’s report has not been received. It expects that the next report will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous comments. The Committee informs the Government that, if it has not supplied replies to the points raised by 1 September 2024, then it may proceed with the examination of the application of the Convention on the basis of the information at its disposal at its next session.

Repetition
Articles 2, 3 and 5 of the Convention. Protection of persons belonging to tribal populations (Bedouin). Collaboration of tribal representatives with the Constitutional Committee for Syria. In its previous comment, referring to the continued deterioration of the humanitarian situation in the country, the Committee noted with deep concern the escalation of attacks against the civilian population which could have an impact on the rights of tribal populations covered by the Convention. The Committee noted the efforts of the Government to establish, with the support of the United Nations, a Constitutional Committee composed of Government delegates, opposition representatives, Syrian experts and civil society, including tribal leaders and women, aimed at putting an end to the conflict in the country. It requested the Government to provide information on the manner in which representatives of Bedouin communities collaborate in searching for “a peaceful settlement of the internal crisis” and on the development of a coordinated and systematic action for the protection of their rights under the Convention. While noting the absence of information in the Government’s report on this point, the Committee notes the launch of the Constitutional Committee for Syria in September 2019, facilitated by the United Nations and composed of 45 members, including 15 representatives of civil society, and its subsequent meetings. It also notes with concern that according to the report of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic, dated 28 January 2020, all warring parties continue to ignore or deny protection, including guarantees of sustained and unhindered humanitarian assistance, to vulnerable civilians. In some areas of the country, the conditions for return of displaced persons remain largely absent and individuals often suffer on the basis of multiple aspects of their identity, including their gender, age or ethnicity (A/HRC/43/57, paragraph 81). According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization situation report on Syria of June 2020, the destruction of agricultural infrastructure has severely affected Syrians livelihoods and food security. According to this report, as of June 2020, a total number of 9.3 million people were facing severe acute food insecurity and that an additional 1.9 million people were at risk of food insecurity. While acknowledging the complexity of the situation on the ground and the continued presence of armed groups and armed conflict in the country, the Committee hopes that the work of the Constitutional Committee for Syria will lead to the achievement of a lasting solution to the conflict and to the improvement of the living conditions of the civil population, including the tribal population (Bedouin). The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the manner in which representatives of Bedouin communities collaborate with the Constitutional Committee and how their rights are taken into account in the peace process and the development of a new Constitution for Syria. The Committee once again urges the Government to take the necessary measures to protect the life and institutions of the members of the Bedouin populations in conflict areas and to provide information in this regard.
Article 6. Improvement of the conditions of life, work and level of education. In its previous comments, the Committee noted the Government’s indication regarding the implementation of an intensive educational curriculum in schools located in areas with a settled Bedouin population, and of a self-learning curriculum in areas lacking schools with an unsettled Bedouin population. The Committee notes that the Government has not replied to its request for further information on the implementation and impact of these educational programmes. The Committee once again requests the Government to provide information on the implementation of educational programmes to benefit the Bedouin populations and of any projects aimed at the economic development of the regions inhabited by these populations, indicating the manner in which these projects have contributed to improving their lives. It requests the Government to indicate how the Bedouin population and their representatives collaborate in the design and implementation of these programmes and projects.

CMNT_TITLE

The Committee notes with concern that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that the next report will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous comments.

Repetition
Articles 2, 3 and 5 of the Convention. Protection of persons belonging to tribal populations (Bedouin). Collaboration of tribal representatives with the Constitutional Committee for Syria. In its previous comment, referring to the continued deterioration of the humanitarian situation in the country, the Committee noted with deep concern the escalation of attacks against the civilian population which could have an impact on the rights of tribal populations covered by the Convention. The Committee noted the efforts of the Government to establish, with the support of the United Nations, a Constitutional Committee composed of Government delegates, opposition representatives, Syrian experts and civil society, including tribal leaders and women, aimed at putting an end to the conflict in the country. It requested the Government to provide information on the manner in which representatives of Bedouin communities collaborate in searching for “a peaceful settlement of the internal crisis” and on the development of a coordinated and systematic action for the protection of their rights under the Convention. While noting the absence of information in the Government’s report on this point, the Committee notes the launch of the Constitutional Committee for Syria in September 2019, facilitated by the United Nations and composed of 45 members, including 15 representatives of civil society, and its subsequent meetings. It also notes with concern that according to the report of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic, dated 28 January 2020, all warring parties continue to ignore or deny protection, including guarantees of sustained and unhindered humanitarian assistance, to vulnerable civilians. In some areas of the country, the conditions for return of displaced persons remain largely absent and individuals often suffer on the basis of multiple aspects of their identity, including their gender, age or ethnicity (A/HRC/43/57, para. 81). According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization situation report on Syria of June 2020, the destruction of agricultural infrastructure has severely affected Syrians livelihoods and food security. According to this report, as of June 2020, a total number of 9.3 million people were facing severe acute food insecurity and that an additional 1.9 million people were at risk of food insecurity.While acknowledging the complexity of the situation on the ground and the continued presence of armed groups and armed conflict in the country, the Committee hopes that the work of the Constitutional Committee for Syria will lead to the achievement of a lasting solution to the conflict and to the improvement of the living conditions of the civil population, including the tribal population (Bedouin). The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the manner in which representatives of Bedouin communities collaborate with the Constitutional Committee and how their rights are taken into account in the peace process and the development of a new Constitution for Syria. The Committee once again urges the Government to take the necessary measures to protect the life and institutions of the members of the Bedouin populations in conflict areas and to provide information in this regard.
Article 6. Improvement of the conditions of life, work and level of education. In its previous comments, the Committee noted the Government’s indication regarding the implementation of an intensive educational curriculum in schools located in areas with a settled Bedouin population, and of a self-learning curriculum in areas lacking schools with an unsettled Bedouin population. The Committee notes that the Government has not replied to its request for further information on the implementation and impact of these educational programmes.The Committee once again requests the Government to provide information on the implementation of educational programmes to benefit the Bedouin populations and of any projects aimed at the economic development of the regions inhabited by these populations, indicating the manner in which these projects have contributed to improving their lives. It requests the Government to indicate how the Bedouin population and their representatives collaborate in the design and implementation of these programmes and projects.

CMNT_TITLE

The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that the next report will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous comments.

Repetition

Articles 2, 3 and 5 of the Convention. Protection of persons belonging to tribal populations (Bedouin). Collaboration of tribal representatives with the Constitutional Committee for Syria. In its previous comment, referring to the continued deterioration of the humanitarian situation in the country, the Committee noted with deep concern the escalation of attacks against the civilian population which could have an impact on the rights of tribal populations covered by the Convention. The Committee noted the efforts of the Government to establish, with the support of the United Nations, a Constitutional Committee composed of Government delegates, opposition representatives, Syrian experts and civil society, including tribal leaders and women, aimed at putting an end to the conflict in the country. It requested the Government to provide information on the manner in which representatives of Bedouin communities collaborate in searching for “a peaceful settlement of the internal crisis” and on the development of a coordinated and systematic action for the protection of their rights under the Convention. While noting the absence of information in the Government’s report on this point, the Committee notes the launch of the Constitutional Committee for Syria in September 2019, facilitated by the United Nations and composed of 45 members, including 15 representatives of civil society, and its subsequent meetings. It also notes with concern that according to the report of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic, dated 28 January 2020, all warring parties continue to ignore or deny protection, including guarantees of sustained and unhindered humanitarian assistance, to vulnerable civilians. In some areas of the country, the conditions for return of displaced persons remain largely absent and individuals often suffer on the basis of multiple aspects of their identity, including their gender, age or ethnicity (A/HRC/43/57, para. 81). According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization situation report on Syria of June 2020, the destruction of agricultural infrastructure has severely affected Syrians livelihoods and food security. According to this report, as of June 2020, a total number of 9.3 million people were facing severe acute food insecurity and that an additional 1.9 million people were at risk of food insecurity. While acknowledging the complexity of the situation on the ground and the continued presence of armed groups and armed conflict in the country, the Committee hopes that the work of the Constitutional Committee for Syria will lead to the achievement of a lasting solution to the conflict and to the improvement of the living conditions of the civil population, including the tribal population (Bedouin). The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the manner in which representatives of Bedouin communities collaborate with the Constitutional Committee and how their rights are taken into account in the peace process and the development of a new Constitution for Syria. The Committee once again urges the Government to take the necessary measures to protect the life and institutions of the members of the Bedouin populations in conflict areas and to provide information in this regard.

Article 6. Improvement of the conditions of life, work and level of education. In its previous comments, the Committee noted the Government’s indication regarding the implementation of an intensive educational curriculum in schools located in areas with a settled Bedouin population, and of a self-learning curriculum in areas lacking schools with an unsettled Bedouin population. The Committee notes that the Government has not replied to its request for further information on the implementation and impact of these educational programmes. The Committee once again requests the Government to provide information on the implementation of educational programmes to benefit the Bedouin populations and of any projects aimed at the economic development of the regions inhabited by these populations, indicating the manner in which these projects have contributed to improving their lives. It requests the Government to indicate how the Bedouin population and their representatives collaborate in the design and implementation of these programmes and projects.

CMNT_TITLE

Articles 2, 3 and 5 of the Convention. Protection of persons belonging to tribal populations (Bedouin). Collaboration of tribal representatives with the Constitutional Committee for Syria. In its previous comment, referring to the continued deterioration of the humanitarian situation in the country, the Committee noted with deep concern the escalation of attacks against the civilian population which could have an impact on the rights of tribal populations covered by the Convention. The Committee noted the efforts of the Government to establish, with the support of the United Nations, a Constitutional Committee composed of Government delegates, opposition representatives, Syrian experts and civil society, including tribal leaders and women, aimed at putting an end to the conflict in the country. It requested the Government to provide information on the manner in which representatives of Bedouin communities collaborate in searching for “a peaceful settlement of the internal crisis” and on the development of a coordinated and systematic action for the protection of their rights under the Convention. While noting the absence of information in the Government’s report on this point, the Committee notes the launch of the Constitutional Committee for Syria in September 2019, facilitated by the United Nations and composed of 45 members, including 15 representatives of civil society, and its subsequent meetings. It also notes with concern that according to the report of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic, dated 28 January 2020, all warring parties continue to ignore or deny protection, including guarantees of sustained and unhindered humanitarian assistance, to vulnerable civilians. In some areas of the country, the conditions for return of displaced persons remain largely absent and individuals often suffer on the basis of multiple aspects of their identity, including their gender, age or ethnicity (A/HRC/43/57, para. 81). According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization situation report on Syria of June 2020, the destruction of agricultural infrastructure has severely affected Syrians livelihoods and food security. According to this report, as of June 2020, a total number of 9.3 million people were facing severe acute food insecurity and that an additional 1.9 million people were at risk of food insecurity. While acknowledging the complexity of the situation on the ground and the continued presence of armed groups and armed conflict in the country, the Committee hopes that the work of the Constitutional Committee for Syria will lead to the achievement of a lasting solution to the conflict and to the improvement of the living conditions of the civil population, including the tribal population (Bedouin). The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the manner in which representatives of Bedouin communities collaborate with the Constitutional Committee and how their rights are taken into account in the peace process and the development of a new Constitution for Syria. The Committee once again urges the Government to take the necessary measures to protect the life and institutions of the members of the Bedouin populations in conflict areas and to provide information in this regard.

Article 6. Improvement of the conditions of life, work and level of education. In its previous comments, the Committee noted the Government’s indication regarding the implementation of an intensive educational curriculum in schools located in areas with a settled Bedouin population, and of a self-learning curriculum in areas lacking schools with an unsettled Bedouin population. The Committee notes that the Government has not replied to its request for further information on the implementation and impact of these educational programmes. The Committee once again requests the Government to provide information on the implementation of educational programmes to benefit the Bedouin populations and of any projects aimed at the economic development of the regions inhabited by these populations, indicating the manner in which these projects have contributed to improving their lives. It requests the Government to indicate how the Bedouin population and their representatives collaborate in the design and implementation of these programmes and projects.

CMNT_TITLE

In its previous comments, the Committee expressed its deep concern about the armed conflict and acts of violence that had caused countless victims, including among the country’s tribal populations covered by the Convention. The Committee notes that, according to the 2018 Report of the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic, the humanitarian situation in the country continues to deteriorate and, after seven years of conflict, 5.5 million people have fled the country and are now refugees, and more than 6.5 million people live displaced inside Syria (A/HRC/39/65, paragraph 64). The Committee once again expresses its deep concern for the escalation of attacks against the civilian population, which may have an impact on the exercise of the rights of tribal populations covered by the Convention.

Articles 2, 3 and 5 of the Convention. Protection of the persons belonging to tribal populations (Bedouin). Collaboration with tribal representatives. The Committee notes from the Report of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry that between 16 January and 10 July 2018, more than 1 million Syrian men, women and children have fled their homes located in different governorates where fierce battles have taken place including Aleppo, Dara’a, Damascus, Homs, Idlib, and Rif Damascus (A/HRC/39/65, paragraph 64). The Committee further notes that, according to a press statement made by the Special Envoy of the UN Secretary-General on Syria on 14 June 2018, the Government is making efforts to establish a constitutional committee composed of Government delegates, opposition representatives in the intra-Syrian talks, Syrian experts, civil society, independents, tribal leaders and women, and with the UN acting as facilitator. The Committee notes that the constitutional committee will be guided by the principles set forth in the Final Statement made by the Congress of the Syrian National Dialogue in Sochi in January 2018 which called for a peaceful settlement of the internal crisis based on the respect and protection of human rights and public freedoms, including non-discrimination and equal rights and opportunities for all without regard to race, religion, ethnicity, cultural or linguistic identity, gender or any other distinction. While acknowledging the complexity of the situation on the ground and the presence of armed groups and armed conflict in the country, the Committee urges the Government to take the necessary measures to protect the life and institutions of the members of the Bedouin populations in conflict areas. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the manner in which representatives of Bedouin communities collaborate in searching for “a peaceful settlement of the internal crisis” and on the development of a coordinated and systematic action for the protection of their rights under the Convention.

Article 6. Improvement of the conditions of life and work and level of education. The Committee notes the Government’s indication in its report that an intensive educational curriculum is being implemented in schools located in areas with a settled Bedouin population and that a self-learning curriculum is being implemented in areas lacking schools with an unsettled Bedouin population. The Committee requests the Government to provide further information on the implementation of educational curricula to benefit the Bedouin populations and of any projects aimed at the economic development of the regions inhabited by these populations, indicating the manner in which these projects have contributed to the improvement of their living and working conditions. Please indicate how the collaboration of the Bedouin population and their representatives is sought in the design and implementation of these projects.

CMNT_TITLE

The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that the next report will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous comments.

Repetition

The Committee notes the general human rights situation in the country as referred to in its comments under Conventions Nos 29, 105 and 182. The Committee expresses its deep concern about the armed conflict and acts of violence that have caused countless victims, including among the country’s indigenous populations covered by the Convention.

Articles 2 and 5 of the Convention. Promoting the social, economic and cultural development of the Bedouin population. The Committee notes from the Government’s report received in August 2003 that various projects concerning the Bedouin population were implemented in the country. Recalling the obligation under Article 5 of the Convention to seek the collaboration of indigenous populations and their representatives when taking measures to give effect to the provisions of the Convention, the Committee requests the Government to indicate in which manner the Bedouin population and its representatives have been, and are involved, in the formulation, implementation and assessment of the projects mentioned in the Government’s report. Please also provide information on the impact of these projects on the promotion of the social, economic and cultural development of the Bedouin population and on their enjoyment of the rights and opportunities provided by the national legal framework on an equal footing with the rest of the national population.

Article 21. Education. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on any initiatives taken and on their impact on ensuring that Bedouin children are given the same opportunity to acquire education at all levels as the other segments of the population. Please also provide information, when possible, on the number of Bedouin boys and girls benefiting from these education programmes and indicate whether the Bedouin population is involved in the shaping of the curricula.

Article 26. Awareness raising. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the measures taken, in a form appropriate to the circumstances, to raise the Bedouin population’s awareness of their rights under the Convention.

CMNT_TITLE

The Committee notes the general human rights situation in the country as referred to in its comments under Conventions Nos 29, 105 and 182. The Committee expresses its deep concern about the armed conflict and acts of violence that have caused countless victims, including among the country’s indigenous populations covered by the Convention.

It also notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous comments.

Articles 2 and 5 of the Convention. Promoting the social, economic and cultural development of the Bedouin population. The Committee notes from the Government’s report received in August 2003 that various projects concerning the Bedouin population were implemented in the country. Recalling the obligation under Article 5 of the Convention to seek the collaboration of indigenous populations and their representatives when taking measures to give effect to the provisions of the Convention, the Committee requests the Government to indicate in which manner the Bedouin population and its representatives have been, and are involved, in the formulation, implementation and assessment of the projects mentioned in the Government’s report. Please also provide information on the impact of these projects on the promotion of the social, economic and cultural development of the Bedouin population and on their enjoyment of the rights and opportunities provided by the national legal framework on an equal footing with the rest of the national population.

Article 21. Education. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on any initiatives taken and on their impact on ensuring that Bedouin children are given the same opportunity to acquire education at all levels as the other segments of the population. Please also provide information, when possible, on the number of Bedouin boys and girls benefiting from these education programmes and indicate whether the Bedouin population is involved in the shaping of the curricula.

Article 26. Awareness raising. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the measures taken, in a form appropriate to the circumstances, to raise the Bedouin population’s awareness of their rights under the Convention.

CMNT_TITLE

The Committee notes the general human rights situation in the country as referred to in its comments under Convention No. 105. It also notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous comments.

Repetition
Articles 2 and 5 of the Convention. Promoting the social, economic and cultural development of the Bedouin population. The Committee notes from the Government’s report that various projects concerning the Bedouin population are being implemented in the country, including the project for the development of the desert. The Committee notes, in particular, that the project for the development of the Syrian Desert in various governorates, such as Daraa, El Heska, Aleppo, and El Sweida, which started in 1999, has endorsed a participatory approach. Recalling the obligation under Article 5 of the Convention to seek the collaboration of indigenous populations and their representatives when taking measures to give effect to the provisions of the Convention, the Committee requests the Government to indicate in which manner the Bedouin population and its representatives have been, and are involved, in the formulation, implementation and assessment of the projects mentioned in the Government’s report. Please also provide information on the impact of these projects on the promotion of the social, economic and cultural development of the Bedouin population and on their enjoyment of the rights and opportunities provided by the national legal framework on an equal footing with the rest of the national population.
Article 21. Education. The Committee notes the programmes “Boarding schools for the children of the desert” and “Mobile schools–caravans” designed to allow Bedouin children to pursue education while maintaining their nomadic way of life. It also notes the specific project aimed at reducing girls’ drop-out rates which is implemented, in collaboration with UNICEF, in the northern and eastern governorates. The Committee further notes the initiative taken to replace mud schools, but understands that while these schools were removed, less than half of them were actually replaced with prefabricated structures. The Committee, however, notes that the installation of further prefabricated schools is envisaged. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on these and similar initiatives and on their impact on ensuring that Bedouin children are given the same opportunity to acquire education at all levels as the other segments of the population. Please also provide information, when possible, on the number of Bedouin boys and girls benefiting from these education programmes and indicate whether the Bedouin population is involved in the shaping of the curricula.
Article 26. Awareness raising. The Committee invites the Government to indicate the measures taken, in a form appropriate to the circumstances, to raise the Bedouin population’s awareness of their rights under the Convention.

CMNT_TITLE

Repetition
Articles 2 and 5 of the Convention. Promoting the social, economic and cultural development of the Bedouin population. The Committee notes from the Government’s report that various projects concerning the Bedouin population are being implemented in the country, including the project for the development of the desert. The Committee notes, in particular, that the project for the development of the Syrian Desert in various governorates, such as Daraa, El Heska, Aleppo, and El Sweida, which started in 1999, has endorsed a participatory approach. Recalling the obligation under Article 5 of the Convention to seek the collaboration of indigenous populations and their representatives when taking measures to give effect to the provisions of the Convention, the Committee requests the Government to indicate in which manner the Bedouin population and its representatives have been, and are involved, in the formulation, implementation and assessment of the projects mentioned in the Government’s report. Please also provide information on the impact of these projects on the promotion of the social, economic and cultural development of the Bedouin population and on their enjoyment of the rights and opportunities provided by the national legal framework on an equal footing with the rest of the national population.
Article 21. Education. The Committee notes the programmes “Boarding schools for the children of the desert” and “Mobile schools–caravans” designed to allow Bedouin children to pursue education while maintaining their nomadic way of life. It also notes the specific project aimed at reducing girls’ drop-out rates which is implemented, in collaboration with UNICEF, in the northern and eastern governorates. The Committee further notes the initiative taken to replace mud schools, but understands that while these schools were removed, less than half of them were actually replaced with prefabricated structures. The Committee, however, notes that the installation of further prefabricated schools is envisaged. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on these and similar initiatives and on their impact on ensuring that Bedouin children are given the same opportunity to acquire education at all levels as the other segments of the population. Please also provide information, when possible, on the number of Bedouin boys and girls benefiting from these education programmes and indicate whether the Bedouin population is involved in the shaping of the curricula.
Article 26. Awareness raising. The Committee invites the Government to indicate the measures taken, in a form appropriate to the circumstances, to raise the Bedouin population’s awareness of their rights under the Convention.

CMNT_TITLE

Articles 2 and 5 of the Convention. Promoting the social, economic and cultural development of the Bedouin population. The Committee notes from the Government’s report that various projects concerning the Bedouin population are being implemented in the country, including the project for the development of the desert. The Committee notes, in particular, that the project for the development of the Syrian Desert in various governorates, such as Daraa, El Heska, Aleppo, and El Sweida, which started in 1999, has endorsed a participatory approach. Recalling the obligation under Article 5 of the Convention to seek the collaboration of indigenous populations and their representatives when taking measures to give effect to the provisions of the Convention, the Committee requests the Government to indicate in which manner the Bedouin population and its representatives have been, and are involved, in the formulation, implementation and assessment of the projects mentioned in the Government’s report. Please also provide information on the impact of these projects on the promotion of the social, economic and cultural development of the Bedouin population and on their enjoyment of the rights and opportunities provided by the national legal framework on an equal footing with the rest of the national population.

Article 21. Education. The Committee notes the programmes “Boarding schools for the children of the desert” and “Mobile schools–caravans” designed to allow Bedouin children to pursue education while maintaining their nomadic way of life. It also notes the specific project aimed at reducing girls’ drop-out rates which is implemented, in collaboration with UNICEF, in the northern and eastern governorates. The Committee further notes the initiative taken to replace mud schools, but understands that while these schools were removed, less than half of them were actually replaced with prefabricated structures. The Committee, however, notes that the installation of further prefabricated schools is envisaged. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on these and similar initiatives and on their impact on ensuring that Bedouin children are given the same opportunity to acquire education at all levels as the other segments of the population. Please also provide information, when possible, on the number of Bedouin boys and girls benefiting from these education programmes and indicate whether the Bedouin population is involved in the shaping of the curricula.

Article 26. Awareness raising. The Committee invites the Government to indicate the measures taken, in a form appropriate to the circumstances, to raise the Bedouin population’s awareness of their rights under the Convention.

CMNT_TITLE

1. The Committee notes the information provided in the Government’s report, indicating that at present there are some 28,000 Bedouin population in the country, and that this number has been growing slowly over the least 20 years.

2. The Committee notes that under Act No. 71 of 8 December 2001, a facility was created to assist in activities aimed at generating income, providing job opportunities and absorbing the new labour force. It notes that some Bedouin have benefited from this programme, which is active in remote rural areas, though it is not possible to provide statistics as they are not kept on an ethnic basis. The Committee notes that in general women have the right to obtain loans under this programme.

3. It also notes that the Government states that it endeavours to apply the Convention in practice, and to secure the requirements of the Bedouin population in a manner in conformity with the Convention, and that this is intended to prepare for their participation in urban society, on an equal footing with other groups, in addition to preparing the relevant statistics.

4. The Committee hopes the Government will provide additional information in its next report on activities aimed specifically at the Bedouin population, and on the practical impact of these activities in conformity with the Convention.

CMNT_TITLE

1. Article 1 of the Convention. The Committee notes the information contained in the Government’s reports. In earlier reports, the Government had indicated that most of the Bedouin population is now settled. The Committee recalls that, in its 1995 report, the Government stated that it would provide information on the size of the Bedouin population as soon as the Central Office for Statistics had completed its statistical bulletin for 1994. The Committee therefore repeats its request for this information, with special attention to those Bedouins who continue to lead a nomadic way of life.

2. The Committee notes from the Government’s report the measures taken by the State to provide social, cultural, educational and health services to the Bedouin population with a view to integrating them into society. The Committee notes the projects concerning the development of pastoral lands which are aimed at, inter alia, securing loans for shepherds to help them invest and raise the incomes of Bedouin families and providing sessions for the development and promotion of Bedouin women. The Committee would appreciate receiving information in the Government’s next report on the number of Bedouin families benefiting from the loan programme mentioned, as well as information on the nature and extent of the sessions intended for Bedouin women. The Committee would also be grateful if the Government would continue to provide information on general and special measures taken to improve the living conditions of the Bedouin population.

3. The Committee requests the Government to supply copies of any studies that may have been conducted regarding the characteristics of the Bedouin population, including their languages, customary laws, cultural and religious values and their economic and social situation.

CMNT_TITLE

The Committee recalls that in its previous comments it requested information on the educational facilities provided for Bedouin children, and notes the information provided in this regard. It notes that the Ministry of Education has established more than 750 permanent primary schools in all parts of the Syrian desert, and that there are also mobile schools consisting of 32 vehicles and 35 tents, which move during the spring when the population migrates in search of pastures. The Committee hopes that the Government will continue to provide information in this respect in its reports.

The Committee recalls that in its direct request of 1992 it also repeated its earlier requests for more general information on the number of persons in the Bedouin population, and on whether any special programmes have been adopted for them. The Government has stated in its report that it has no such statistical data at present, but that it will communicate this information as soon as the Central Office for Statistics finalizes its statistical bulletin for 1994. It also refers to information contained in a 1986 report concerning service centres established for the settlement of the Bedouins.

The Committee hopes that the Government will shortly be able to provide the information the Committee has been requesting for some years. Even if the statistics at its disposal are not exact, more general information would allow the Committee to begin to assess the size of the Bedouin population. The Committee also regrets that the Government has provided no information on any special programmes it might have established, in conformity with the requirements of this Convention which was ratified nearly 40 years ago, especially for the Bedouin population. It looks forward to receiving this information in the Government's next report.

CMNT_TITLE

The Committee has noted with interest the information communicated in the Government's report. It notes that, while most of the Bedouin population has been sedentarised, and while there is no distinction in the law between the rights and duties of Bedouins and the rest of the national population, there are some groups which remain nomadic.

The Committee would be grateful if the Government could provide information in its next report on the number of Bedouins which still maintain a nomadic existence (Article 1 of the Convention). The Committee has noted the information in the report on the special schools established for these groups by the Ministry of Education (Articles 21 to 24), as well as the information in the report for further plans for sedentarisation. Please indicate whether any other special measures have been adopted or are contemplated as concerns the nomadic groups in the country.

CMNT_TITLE

The Committee notes with interest the information communicated in the Government's report. It notes that, while most of the Bedouin population has been sedentarised, and while there is no distinction in the law between the rights and duties of Bedouins and the rest of the national population, there are some groups which remain nomadic.