Statement by H.E. Mr. Ali BAHREINI before 352nd session of ILO Governing Body

under nineteenth item on the agenda: the Director-General Seventh Supplementary Report to ILO support for the emergency response to the crisis in Lebanon

Statement

 By

 H.E. Mr. Ali BAHREINI

 Ambassador, Permanent Representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran

to the United Nations Office and other International Organizations in Geneva

 Before

 352^nd session of ILO Governing Body

Nineteenth item on the agenda

The Director-General Seventh Supplementary Report:

ILO support for the emergency response to the crisis in Lebanon

Geneva, 5 November 2024

------

بسم الله الرحمن الرحیم

 

Mr. Chairman,

 We express our gravest concern over the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Lebanon resulting from the Zionist Israel regime's attacks. According to recent reports, the regime's aggression has resulted in devastating casualties with thousands killed and wounded, and the displacement of more than 1.2 million people.

The Israel Act of aggression and systematic targeting of civilian infrastructure is particularly alarming. Five hospitals have been rendered inoperable, and 100 primary healthcare facilities have been forced to close. The education sector has been severely impacted, with half of Lebanon's public schools now serving as collective shelters and 40% of students displaced from their homes.

This crisis is particularly severe as it compounds Lebanon's existing challenges, including the economic difficulties since 2019 that have already placed immense pressure on the country's institutions, public services, labor market, and social protection systems.

We strongly condemn the extensive military operations across Lebanon. The ground incursion that began on October 10, 2024, represents a serious escalation and violation of Lebanon's sovereignty.

The Islamic Republic of Iran fully supports the amendment proposed by the Arab Group to the ILO Governing Body's Draft Decision. We particularly emphasize:

1. The critical need to protect infrastructure essential for civilian survival in accordance with International Humanitarian Law
2. The urgent call for an immediate stop of Israeli aggressions.
3. The necessity of maintaining and strengthening the ILO Regional Office's presence and support in Lebanon during this critical period
4. The importance of conducting a comprehensive assessment of the crisis's impact on workers, employers, and the broader labor market

We specifically emphasize the amendment's recognition of the severe humanitarian crisis and its long-term socio-economic impacts on Lebanon's labor market, workers, and employers. The mobilization of additional resources for increased ILO support is crucial at this juncture.

We also call for:

1. Urgent international humanitarian assistance to support thousands of people who have been forced to flee to Syria
2. Emergency support for Lebanon's healthcare system and educational institutions
3. International financial support to strengthen Lebanon's capacity to respond to this crisis

We urge the international community to support the proposed amendment and its comprehensive approach to addressing the crisis. The Islamic Republic of Iran stands in complete solidarity with the Lebanese people during this crisis and demands immediate international action to protect Lebanon's sovereignty and support its people.

I Thank you.

---