Geneva: Minister of Labor Inas al-Atari on Friday welcomed the International Labor Organization's (ILO) resolution elevating the status of Palestine to a non-member observer state.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, Minister Al-Atari expressed satisfaction with the ILO's decision to upgrade Palestine's status from a liberation movement to a non-member observer State, a resolution that passed at the 113th session of the International Labor Conference (ILC) in Geneva. The resolution saw overwhelming support, with 386 ILO Member States voting in favor, while 15 opposed and 42 abstained.
Minister Al-Atari extended her gratitude to the ILO Member States for their support, emphasizing that the resolution underscores the international community's belief in the justice of the Palestinian cause. She noted that the decision acknowledges the status of Palestine and the rights of the Palestinian people amidst the ongoing Israeli occupation and violations of Palestinian workers' rights.
The Minister further affirmed that this resolution would enable Palestine to actively participate in ILO meetings and sessions as a non-member observer State. Representation will include a tripartite delegation from the government, employers, and workers, represented by the Palestinian General Federation of Trade Unions. This, she stated, will enhance Palestine's ability to advocate for Palestinian workers' rights on international platforms.
She also expressed her appreciation to all ILO Member States and institutions that supported the resolution, which she described as historically significant and symbolic. Minister Al-Atari assured continued engagement with international partners to secure and advocate for Palestinian workers' rights globally.
Meanwhile, Ibrahim Khraishi, Permanent Observer of Palestine to the United Nations, praised the resolution as a pivotal step towards achieving the Palestinian people's inalienable rights, including the right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent State of Palestine. He expressed hope for the future elevation of Palestine's status to that of a full Member State.
Khraishi voiced regret over the United States' opposition to the resolution, highlighting that the U.S. vote against it came just two days after vetoing a UN Security Council resolution calling for a ceasefire and unrestricted humanitarian access in Gaza.
