20 June 2012 - DAMASCUS, (SANA) – The People's Assembly on Tuesday agreed on establishing four new permanent committees on public freedoms and human rights, youths, family, children and women's rights and the press, printing and publishing.

During a session chaired by Speaker Jihad al-Laham, a number of MPs said that this logical reform step came in line with the new constitution as it also reflects keenness on the people's interests and enhancing freedoms, rights, social justice, national unity and cultural diversity.

They stressed the need for specifying the tasks assigned to the committees to ensure better performance.

They indicated the importance of following up on the requirements of youth and meeting their needs as they are the future of the country through the youth committee, particularly providing job opportunities and establishing a ministry for youth issues.

The members highlighted the role of the family, children and women's rights committee in empowering women and preserving their rights as they are the main pillar of the society, in addition to drawing special attention to child labor.