Gaza Herald – The International Labour Organization’s Board of Directors unanimously adopted a resolution concerning the Enhanced Development Cooperation Programme in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. The measure aims to strengthen Palestinian workers’ rights, protect livelihoods, support employment opportunities, and facilitate economic recovery and reconstruction.
The decision was taken during the 358th session of the Governing Body. The Palestinian tripartite delegation included Ibrahim Khreshi, Palestine’s Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva; Shaker Saad, Secretary-General of the General Federation of Palestinian Trade Unions; and Abdo Idris, President of the Union of Chambers of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture in Palestine.
Director-General Gilbert Houngbo attended alongside representatives of member states, employers, and workers. The resolution builds on the implementation results of the Decent Work Programme for the OPT for 2023-2025 and the conclusion of the emergency response plan linked to recovery efforts.
Khreshi welcomed the new programme, thanking the ILO, member states, and employer and worker groups for their support. He emphasized the need to expand recovery initiatives to aid Palestinian economic enterprises and restore job opportunities.
Saad stated that Palestinian workers have lost approximately 250 thousand jobs, with income losses reaching nearly two billion dollars. He noted that the ceasefire declaration has not ended their suffering due to continued Israeli attacks, movement restrictions, and destruction of livelihood sources.
He called for protection for Palestinian workers and efforts to restore employment and livelihoods amidst worsening economic and living conditions. Several countries and regional groups expressed solidarity with the Palestinian people and support for workers’ rights during the session.
Egypt affirmed its full support for the resolution, stressing the link between relief, recovery, and reconstruction. Arab states including Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, Oman, and Lebanon highlighted the importance of supporting Palestinian institutions and protecting workers’ rights.
Countries such as Brazil, China, Turkey, France, and the UK supported recovery efforts, decent work provision, and social protection. Workers’ group chair Caitlin Bashier stressed the need to protect workers’ dignity and mobilize resources for programme implementation.
Employers’ representative Matthew Thorn emphasized restoring production capacities and facilitating access to markets and finance. Future programmes will focus on working conditions, wages, and support for small and medium-sized enterprises.
This report was produced in the Gaza Herald newsroom.
