The issues of democracy and peace have long been fundamental challenges in an Arab region that has not experienced stability since the years of independence. Despite all attempts at democratic reform in most Arab countries, the pillars of democratic practice remain fragile and sometimes nonexistent, primarily due to the lack of a suitable foundation or its weakness.
As for the issue of peace, its prospects have diminished due to internal conflicts that have turned into armed struggles in several cases. However, one of the main reasons for the continued state of tension in the Arab region as a whole is the ongoing Israeli occupation of Palestinian, Lebanese, and Syrian territories and the inability of the international legal system to end this occupation, which has persisted for decades.
In line with its commitment to the principles of advocating for democratic issues, liberation, and the right to self-determination, the Arab Trade Union Confederation places great importance on stimulating democratic practice and supporting peace efforts in the Arab region based on the following propositions:
- The consolidation of democracy requires the establishment of democratic political institutions, the separation of powers, judicial independence, and the conduct of free and fair elections to produce societies of moderation, tolerance, openness, plurality, respect for the rule of law, and to enhance the participation of all components of society while ensuring freedom of expression.
- Building a state of institutions necessitates the rule of law, the adoption of good governance principles, the effectiveness of institutions, and transparency procedures in managing public affairs, combating corruption and bribery, and enhancing mechanisms for official and civil oversight, as well as establishing the foundations of citizenship and social justice.
- Freedom of the press and expression, along with the right to access information, are key actions for democratic practice and for confronting all forms of tyranny and corruption, enforcing the law, and ensuring accountability.
- Respect for individual and collective rights and freedoms is fundamental to democratic practice, and trade union freedoms, the right to organize, negotiate, engage in social dialogue, and political pluralism are rights that are indivisible and inviolable.
- Peace in the Arab region cannot be realized as long as the Israeli occupation of Palestinian, Lebanese, and Syrian territories continues, and as long as the occupying government persists in violating international law and evading obligations.
- Peace cannot be established under the current veto system based on the power balances resulting from World War II.
- Establishing internal peace requires stimulating mediation initiatives to curb conflicts and civil wars and to isolate dominant forces and the arms trade.
English 
العربية