L’Organisation internationale du travail accorde à la Palestine le statut d’Etat observateur
Elevation of Palestine’s Status at the ILO: A Significant Move
On a significant day, the International Labour Organization (ILO) General Congress voted overwhelmingly in favor of upgrading Palestine’s status from "National Liberation Movement" to "Non-Member Observer State." This decision, announced by the Palestinian news agency Wafa, took place during the ongoing 113th session of the ILO in Geneva, where 386 votes were cast in favor, 15 against, and 42 abstentions.
The Palestinian Minister of Labour, Inas Atari, hailed this outcome as a significant political and symbolic victory for Palestine on the international stage. She deemed the new status a validation of Palestine’s cause and pointed out that it aligns with similar recognition already granted by the United Nations, UNESCO, and the World Health Organization. This recognition was made possible through UN General Assembly resolution ES-10/23, issued in May 2024.
Atari expressed gratitude to supportive partners, including Arab nations, the Arab Labour Organization, and global representatives of workers and employers. This marks a crucial moment not just for Palestine but also for its international allies working towards labor rights and recognition.
The Secretary-General of the General Federation of Trade Unions of Palestine, Shaher Saad, described the vote as a "critical milestone" that equips Palestine to advocate for its workers’ rights amid ongoing violations resulting from the Israeli occupation. He emphasized that this observer status paves the way for potential full membership, allowing the Palestinian delegation to participate in future ILO conferences, representing government, employers, and trade unions alike.
Adding to the chorus of support, Luc Triangle, the Secretary-General of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), characterized the vote as a "historic victory for justice." He urged that it should stimulate diplomatic efforts to halt the violence in Gaza, asserting that war only leads to destruction, making the need for peace more urgent than ever.
This decision by the ILO comes against the backdrop of a global labor movement increasingly mobilizing in favor of Palestine, particularly in light of the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza due to ongoing military actions by occupying forces since October 2023. The result of the vote exemplifies a broader recognition of Palestine’s rights and the urgent need for international support in addressing labor and humanitarian issues linked to the ongoing conflict.
Summary
The ILO’s recent decision to elevate Palestine’s status to "Non-Member Observer State" represents a pivotal moment for the Palestinian cause and global labor rights advocacy. Lauded by officials and trade union leaders alike, this new classification allows the Palestinian delegation greater involvement in international discussions on labor issues.
The symbolic nature of this vote underscores its broader implications for diplomatic efforts aimed at addressing the ongoing violence and humanitarian crisis in Gaza. With an overwhelming majority supporting this change, the ILO signals a growing recognition of Palestine’s rights and a shift towards increased international advocacy for its workers and citizens.
The decision, celebrated by Palestinian officials as well as international supporters, highlights the urgency of addressing labor rights and humanitarian conditions amid an escalating conflict, marking a critical step forward for Palestine on the global stage.
