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Trade unionists were among the leaders of groups that successfully brought down long-time dictators in Tunisia and Egypt amid calls for human rights, workers’ rights and economic freedom. These successes have launched a string of pro-democracy struggles across the region as people protest unemployment, inequality and authoritarian leaders.



Trade unions in Bahrain are leading the struggle there, where King Hamad has violently tried to suppress demands for democratic reforms to create a real constitutional monarchy.



The people of Libya, Yemen, Djibuti, Iraq, Iran, Jordan and Kuwait are also calling for the ouster of authoritarian leaders who have denied them their rights. Violent reprisals have already claimed heavy casualties in many of these countries.



“We support all the trade unions, workers and people in the Middle East and North Africa as they fight for democracy, freedom and human rights,” said UNI Global Union General Secretary Philip Jennings. “These attacks from authorities are a travesty and a clear indication that change is needed.”



UNI, which represents 300,00 media workers around the world, is also calling for the protection of journalists covering the events in the Middle East, who are civilians playing a vital role by sharing information about these conflicts, not combatants or legitimate military targets.



UNI and the global trade union movement are calling for international support for the fight for democracy and to ensure that there is no impunity for leaders using violence against their own people.