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Speech at the plenary of the 112th International Labour Conference 2024 – Special session – Discussion of the DG report on the situation of workers of the occupied Arab territories (OPT)
Statement by Norway delivered by state secretary of The Ministry of Labour and Social Inclusion Mr. Per- Olav Hopsø, Palais des Nations, Geneva, 6 June 2024.
President,
Director General,
Ministers,
Representatives of workers and employers,
Representatives from Palestine and Israel,
The international community is faced with tremendous challenges in addressing the developments in the Middle East, and the war between Israel and Hamas.
Norway has condemned Hamas’ heinous terrorist attacks in the strongest possible terms and called for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages. We have repeatedly called for a ceasefire in Gaza, demanded unhindered humanitarian access, and have issued a strong warning to Israel to refrain from a military operation in Rafah. We are appalled that yet another school in Gaza has been bombed and that many civilians have once again been killed. We welcome the efforts for a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire in Gaza, presented by President Biden. We encourage all parties to negotiate and implement in good faith.
The ILO assessment is that the Palestinian unemployment rate has ascended to fifty seven per cent during the first quarter of 2024. A loss of more than 500 000 jobs in Gaza and the West Bank sheds light on the Socio- Economic impacts on the State of Palestine. Unemployment in Palestine is high and the daily income loss is so grave that we see an economic and social crisis. The lack of food, electricity, water, medicines and health care is a disaster for the people of Gaza. Businesses have been destroyed. The population is starving.
The Norwegian Government announced 22 May that Norway will recognise Palestine as a state, in effect from 28 May. This highlights the long-held Norwegian position that a lasting solution to the conflict in the Middle East can only be achieved through a two-state solution.
Mr. President,
We would like to thank the ILO for their important work, under very challenging circumstances in Palestine. We believe it is crucial that the ILO continues its efforts, in order to respond to immediate needs and calls for urgent assistance from workers and employers in Palestine.
To conclude,
The dire situation for Palestine tells us that the suffering will not end when the war finally does. Norway is a long-term contributor to ILOs unearmarked, voluntary funding modality (the RBSA). We value how the RBSA allows the ILO to respond quickly to rapidly changing contexts, such as the one we see in Gaza today.