GENEVA (ILO News) – The International Labour Organization (ILO) and its development partners have reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the resilience and recovery of the Palestinian labour market at a meeting held on Monday, June 10, on the sidelines of the International Labour Conference (ILC). Development partners have pledged financial and other support to the ILO’s response to the war in Gaza and the unprecedented social and economic crisis it has caused throughout the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
The ILO’s response focuses on three main areas: immediate relief, assessing the impact of the war on the labour market, and rapid recovery. This response is part of the broader framework linking humanitarian aid, development, and peace, and is in line with the United Nations’ emergency and rapid recovery aid programs. ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo emphasized the need for immediate action to address the devastating impact of the war in Gaza on Palestinian workers and employers, alongside humanitarian efforts.
Houngbo highlighted the importance of laying the groundwork for a prosperous and inclusive recovery, emphasizing the creation of jobs, social protection, and business recovery as essential components of the post-war recovery efforts. He stressed the crucial role of decent work, jobs, and income in the wider UN response to the crisis in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
During the meeting, various development partners expressed their commitment to supporting the ILO’s $20 million fundraising appeal for the recovery phase of the plan. This includes job creation in labor-intensive projects to repair and build infrastructure, restore basic services, provide social protection measures, and support vulnerable groups. Several governments, including Belgium, Kuwait, Indonesia, the Netherlands, and Qatar, announced contributions to the ILO’s recovery efforts totaling over $8 million.
The Netherlands, for example, pledged $4.3 million to support the ILO’s emergency intervention plan for the West Bank and Gaza, aiming to facilitate rapid economic recovery and alleviate suffering. The meeting underscored the urgent need to address the severe impact of the conflict on the Palestinian economy and labour market, with Gaza experiencing a significant increase in unemployment and a sharp decline in GDP.
In response to the devastating impact of the conflict, the ILO has provided assistance to Palestinian workers affected by the crisis, facilitated the transportation of goods from Gaza to the West Bank, and collaborated with the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics to gather essential data on the situation. Additionally, the ILO has partnered with the United Nations Development Programme to implement an emergency employment program in Gaza, offering decent jobs in the health and waste management sectors to Palestinian men and women.
The meeting highlighted the importance of collective efforts to address the immediate needs of Palestine, with various partners pledging their support to ensure a swift and effective recovery for the Occupied Palestinian Territory. Through coordinated action and financial contributions, the international community aims to make a significant impact on the economic and social recovery of the region.