Labor Minister Affirms Palestinian Cause as Universal Struggle for Freedom and Justice

International Forum for Solidarity with the Workers and People of Palestine.

During the ongoing 114th International Labour Conference in Geneva, Switzerland, Labor Minister Hassan Raddad emphasized that the Palestinian issue remains central to the Arab nation and symbolizes the struggle for freedom, justice, and human dignity. He underscored that defending the rights of Palestinian workers and people is a moral, legal, and humanitarian responsibility that falls on the entire international community.

This statement was made during his address on behalf of the Arab group at the International Forum for Solidarity with Workers and People of Palestine and other occupied Arab territories. The forum was organized by the Arab Labor Organization in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO), featuring participation from ILO Director-General Gilbert Houngbo, as well as representatives from governments, employers, and workers from various countries.

Minister Raddad welcomed participants at the forum, expressing gratitude for their presence, which demonstrates support for the Palestinian cause and rejection of all forms of oppression faced by Palestinian workers and people in occupied territories such as Golan Heights and Lebanon. He highlighted the importance of sustaining international efforts that uphold the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.

On behalf of the Arab group and representing the Government of Egypt, he extended heartfelt congratulations to Palestine on securing overwhelming support from member states at this conference for a decision to enhance its legal status within the ILO. This decision solidifies Palestine’s position as an observer state within the organization.

Raddad noted that this decision reflects increasing international support for Palestinians’ legitimate rights and affirms Palestine’s rightful place within international labor frameworks. It acknowledges Palestinians’ right to self-representation and advocacy for their issues within international forums focused on labor, development, and social justice.

The minister reiterated Egypt’s steadfast support for Palestine’s struggle to achieve its legitimate rights and establish an independent state. He assured that Egypt would continue backing all initiatives aimed at empowering Palestinians to exercise their rights fully.

He also thanked Fayeze Ali Al-Mutairi, Director-General of the Arab Labor Organization, for his dedicated efforts in organizing this forum and his ongoing commitment to addressing Palestinian issues while standing alongside their rights. Raddad praised Houngbo’s participation as a reflection of ILO’s commitment to social justice principles, human dignity, and protection of workers’ rights globally.

Raddad emphasized that convening this forum under ILO’s auspices places a significant ethical and legal responsibility on the international community. He questioned how international labor standards could be applied amidst ongoing occupation, exclusion, and daily violations.

This international gathering serves as a vital platform to amplify Palestinian voices alongside other Arab nations under occupation while spotlighting severe violations against them that contradict human values and principles upon which international organizations were founded.

The current situation in Palestine necessitates urgent action to halt violence against Palestinians involving killings, displacement, starvation, torture, demolition of homes, hospitals, schools, infrastructure, obstruction of humanitarian aid access, targeting medical personnel along with women, children, elderly individuals, and attempts at forced displacement. Raddad asserted these actions constitute crimes against humanity and serious violations of international humanitarian law.

He condemned Israel’s law allowing execution of Palestinian detainees as a further entrenchment of racist policies undermining Palestinian rights. He called upon the international community to act against this law and secure release for all Palestinian prisoners.

The minister stressed that it is time for transitioning from mere condemnations to taking effective actions against violations while holding perpetrators accountable. He urged bringing those responsible for war crimes against Palestinians before competent judicial bodies under international law—especially given continued assaults on Palestinian workers’ livelihoods.

Raddad highlighted that the historic decision adopted by this conference regarding Palestine’s observer status represents a significant step towards enhancing its presence within international organizations. However, he noted that its value depends on translating into practical measures protecting Palestinians’ rights while supporting their resilience towards development opportunities.

He called upon international institutions, funding bodies, and development partners to mobilize further efforts and resources toward supporting employment programs in Palestine while enhancing roles within its employment fund aimed at creating real job opportunities for young Palestinians—ultimately improving living conditions for Palestinian families while ensuring access to decent work opportunities alongside social protection.

Raddad concluded by asserting that Palestine’s cause transcends being solely an Arab issue; it embodies a universal struggle shared by all who believe in freedom, justice, and human dignity. Supporting Palestinians represents true embodiment of social justice principles foundational to ILO’s mission.

In closing his address, he paid tribute to fallen martyrs of Palestine along with every worker who lost their life striving for their livelihood or defending their right to life—as well as children, women, elderly individuals who have succumbed to aggression or violations—stressing that sacrifices made by Palestinians will forever stand testament to their rightful struggle for freedom recognition both internationally alongside Jerusalem as its capital.