Resolutions Adopted at AFRECON 2025

At the 14th African and Arab Regional Conference, PSI affiliates adopted a resolution condemning the imprisonment of Algerian trade unionist Ali Mammeri as a grave violation of freedom of association, highlighting the misuse of anti-terrorism laws and unfair judicial proceedings to repress legitimate union activity. It demands his immediate and unconditional release, an end to the criminalisation of trade union work, and full respect for Algeria’s obligations under ILO and human rights conventions. It also calls on PSI, African and international bodies, and unions worldwide to intensify solidarity, monitoring, and support for trade unionists facing repression in Algeria.

At the 14th African and Arab Countries Regional Conference, PSI affiliates adopted a resolution expressing firm solidarity with the people of Sudan, condemning the war’s impact on civilians and the destruction of public services, while recognising the courage of workers and journalists operating under extreme danger. Affiliates call for an immediate ceasefire, inclusive peace talks, and the protection of human, workers’, and democratic rights. They urged trade unions, international bodies, and governments to expand humanitarian support, defend refugees, rebuild public services, and ensure accountability for war crimes and gender-based violence.

The report documents the collective actions carried by unions across Africa and the Arab region against privatisation, austerity, conflict, gender-based violence, migration abuses, attacks on public services, and threats to workers’ rights. It affirms public ownership, social justice, peace, and solidarity as central to protecting workers, communities, and democratic governance.

At the 14th African and Arab Countries Regional Conference, PSI affiliates adopted a resolution rejecting IMF-driven austerity measures for deepening poverty, weakening public services, and eroding workers’ rights and social protections across the region. Affiliates called for an end to austerity, increased public investment, expansionary economic policies, progressive taxation, and stronger engagement with international financial institutions to protect decent work and quality public services.

At the 14th African and Arab Countries Regional Conference, PSI affiliates adopted a resolution calling for reclaiming public health as a national responsibility, ending reliance on donor-funded programmes, and banning the privatisation of health services. Affiliates urged governments to invest in resilient health systems, support local medicine production, hire and fairly pay health workers, and mobilise domestic resources to reduce dependency on foreign aid.

At the 14th African and Arab Countries Regional Conference, PSI affiliates adopted a resolution condemning attacks on health and public service workers in conflict zones, particularly in the DRC and Cameroon, and calls for their protection under international humanitarian law. Affiliates urged trade unions and PSI to provide solidarity, legal and psychological support, document violations, and strengthen monitoring to safeguard workers operating in areas of insecurity.

At the 14th African and Arab Countries Regional Conference, PSI affiliates adopted a resolution rejecting the privatisation and commercialisation of water, warning that they deepen inequality, exclude communities, and undermine water as a basic human right, with particular concern for Nigeria, Zimbabwe, and the entire region. Affiliates called for water to remain under public ownership and control, and for increased public investment, an end to all privatisation efforts, and stronger union and community campaigns in support of public, people-centred water systems.

At the 14th African and Arab Countries Regional Conference, PSI affiliates adopted a resolution calling for full transparency and reliable, shared data on foreign investment in alternative energy projects to support public oversight, regional cooperation, and fair outcomes. Affiliates demanded strong legal frameworks, technology transfer, capacity building, and accountability for foreign investors to ensure renewable energy development serves local communities, protects the climate, and advances sustainable development.

At the 14th African and Arab Countries Regional Conference, PSI affiliates adopted a resolution denouncing gender-based violence as a widespread violation of rights that undermines dignity, equality, and safe participation in work and society across the region. A call was made for accelerated ratification of ILO Convention 190, stronger union-led action against GBV, workplace protections through collective bargaining, and regional monitoring to support prevention and survivor support.

At the 14th African and Arab Countries Regional Conference, PSI affiliates adopted a resolution condemning the Israeli government’s siege, attacks on civilians, and destruction of essential infrastructure in Gaza, calling these actions violations of human rights and potential acts of genocide. They urged the international community to provide unrestricted humanitarian aid, protect healthcare services, investigate war crimes, suspend military support, and mobilise solidarity and material assistance for Palestinian public service workers.

At the 14th African and Arab Countries Regional Conference, PSI affiliates adopted a resolution condemning Algeria’s xenophobic treatment of Sub-Saharan migrants and refugees, including arbitrary arrests, expulsions, and discrimination. They called for a national asylum law aligned with international standards. It urges protection for trade unionists and human rights defenders, and calls on the African Union, UNHCR, ILO, and PSI affiliates to provide solidarity, monitoring, and humanitarian support.