Iran's Statement about Agenda item POL4: Report on crisis-related work in the Occupied Palestinian Territory

Crimes committed against the Palestinian over decades weigh heavy on the conscious of humanity. Recent gross violations of international human rights law and humanitarian law particularly war crimes crimes against humanity genocide ethnic cleansing and enforced displacement committed by the occupying regime demonstrates an absolutely unleashed nature of this regime in committing atrocities in an unprecedented manner.

 

Statement

 By

Mr. Mahdi Ali Abadi 

Deputy Permanent Representative

 Of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Nations Office in Geneva

Before 350th GB of ILO

Agenda item POL4: Report on crisis-related work in the

Occupied Palestinian Territory

بسم الله الرحمن الرحیم

 

Thank you Mr. Chairman

 

My delegation aligns itself with the statements delivered on behalf of ASPAG and OIC. We thank the office for preparing the report under this standing agenda item, which presents a picture of deteriorating Palestinian economy and its impact on employment, social welfare and sustainable livelihoods resulting from occupation.

 

Distinguished delegates:

Crimes committed against the Palestinian over decades weigh heavy on the conscious of humanity. Recent gross violations of international human rights law and humanitarian law, particularly, war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide, ethnic cleansing and enforced displacement committed by the occupying regime demonstrates an absolutely unleashed nature of this regime in committing atrocities in an unprecedented manner.

The failure of the international community in particular the security council to put an end to the illegal occupation and the brutalities perpetrated by the regime imposed over the Palestinian people, is the main reason that we are still at this stage today and that innocent lives continue to be lost, which provides this regime a green light to continue to perpetrate its crimes without any consequences.

 

Mr. Chairman

The deteriorated situation of defenseless and innocent workers and employers in Gaza require urgent attention and action by the ILO.  We express our grave concern over the findings of the recent UNCTAD preliminary report on the economic costs of Israeli regime military operations in Gaza which highlights the impossibility of recovery and development in Gaza without urgent international assistance. An estimated 85% of the population has been displaced.

 

UNCTAD's initial estimates reveal that in 2023 alone, Gaza's GDP significantly declined and unemployment reached 79.3%, illustrating the dire economic conditions. Continuing the status quo will exacerbate poverty and unemployment. Relief aid channels and support provisions to the people, including employers and workers, have been blocked, and vulnerable individuals, mainly children, women, and the disabled, are severely affected.

 

It is expected that the ILO which mandated by its constitution to protect the rights of workers and employers worldwide, take an strong stance against this human tragedy. As has been stipulated in the report the current crisis has exacerbated pre-existing issues and created new hurdles for labour force in the Occupied Palestine Territory. From widespread job losses to dangerous working conditions, Palestinian workers are facing unprecedented challenges that demand urgent attention and action.

What is expected is for the ILO with all its commitment under its constitution to social justice to raise its voice loudly and amplify the plight of the people of Gaza, especially workers and employers. It should unequivocally condemn these crimes against humanity and egregious human rights violations. The ILO should play its role in enforcing the ICJ ruling to stop the Genocide in Gaza. The ILO must also take tangible supportive actions to address the basic and essential needs of affected workers and employers in Gaza.

 The international community must fulfill its responsibilities by enforcing the unconditional ceasefire and provide the necessary assistance to alleviate the suffering of Palestinian workers and pave the way for the end of genocide.

War crimes, crimes against humanity and gross violations of human rights and humanitarian law must not be let normalized. 

Finally, my delegation support the amendments made by the OIC to the Draft Decision under this Agenda Item.

 

I thank you, Chairman.