Palestine Gains Strong Support at ILO Conference in Geneva

The 114th session of the International Labour Conference concluded at the headquarters of the International Labour Organization in Geneva after two weeks of discussions on labour issues and workers’ rights, with the participation of representatives of governments, employers and workers from around the world.

The conference witnessed what Palestinian representatives described as an important achievement, after Palestine secured the support of 394 votes. The result was seen as a strong indication of growing international backing for Palestinian rights within the International Labour Organization and of the continued presence of the Palestinian cause on the global labour agenda.

The support came following efforts by the Palestinian delegation, alongside backing from Arab delegations and friendly countries throughout the conference.

The Palestinian delegation included Dr Wael Nazif, Secretary-General of the Palestinian Workers’ Union “Beit Al-Shaab”; Hussein Qarabsa, member of the General Secretariat of the General Federation of Palestinian Trade Unions; Lana Omar, representative of the Palestinian Independent Federation of Trade Unions; and several representatives of Palestinian trade union organisations.

The conference also saw the organisation of a solidarity forum with the workers and people of Palestine and the occupied Arab territories. The event was held at the initiative of the Arab Labour Organization and the Arab Group, with participants reaffirming continued Arab and international support for the rights of Palestinian workers.

During the forum, the Palestinian delegation held an honouring ceremony in the presence of Ambassador Dr Ibrahim Khraishi. Appreciation shields were presented to Egypt’s Minister of Labour and Head of the Arab Group, Hassan Raddad, and to Arab Labour Organization Director-General Fayez Al-Mutairi, in recognition of their efforts to support the Palestinian cause in regional and international forums.

The Palestinian delegation expressed appreciation for the support offered by Arab and friendly delegations, the World Federation of Trade Unions, the International Confederation of Arab Trade Unions, the Organization of African Trade Union Unity, and the Group of Islamic States.

The delegation said the result reflected growing international solidarity with the Palestinian people and their legitimate rights.

It also welcomed the election of Hussein Qarabsa as Chairman of the Arab Coordination Committee, saying the choice reflected confidence in the role of the Palestinian trade union movement in strengthening joint Arab labour action.

The Palestinian delegation said the outcome of the conference marks a new step toward strengthening Palestine’s position within international organisations and expanding global support for the rights of the Palestinian people, foremost among them the right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent state.