Brussels, 27 August 2008: The Mauritanian trade union organisations¹ affiliated to the ITUC (UTM, CGTM and CLTM) together with the other national union confederations² (USCM, CNTM and UNTM) have made a joint appeal to the United Nations to assist in the restoration of democracy in the country.

Mauritania’s trade union organisations believe the coup was unjustified and presents a serious threat to civil peace, national unity and stability, stifling the democracy that was in place along with the fundamental rights and the freedom of expression and organisation it guaranteed.

The ITUC had expressed deep concern at the repression used by the Mauritanian security forces on 19 August to break up a trade union rally held in protest at the military coup of 6 August, which overthrew President Sidi Ould Cheikh Abdallahi.

When the coup was announced, the ITUC instantly joined the Mauritanian trade union movement in its emphatic condemnation and called for the immediate restoration of Constitutional order in the country.

Guy Ryder, the general secretary of the ITUC, reiterated his call for the restoration of constitutional rule and expressed his hope that every measure would be taken to ensure a swift return to democracy.

To consult the appeal made by Mauritania’s trade union organisations, please click here

1. Union des Travailleurs de Mauritanie (UTM); Confédération Générale des Travailleurs de Mauritanie (CGTM); Confédération Libre des Travailleurs de Mauritanie (CLTM).

2. Union Syndicale Libre de Mauritanie (USLM); Confédération Nationale des Travailleurs de Mauritanie (CNTM); Union Nationale des Travailleurs de Mauritanie (UNTM), affiliated to the WFTU.

The ITUC represents 168 million workers in 155 countries and territories and has 311 national affiliates.

For more information, please contact the ITUC Press Department on the following numbers: +32 2 224 0204 or +32 476 621 018.