Palestine granted ‘observer status’ at Int’l Labour Organisation

The International Labour Organisation (ILO) has voted to formally upgrade Palestine’s status from “a liberation movement” to “a non-member observer state”, according to Palestine news agency WAFA.

The decision was reached during the General Conference of the ILO Board of Directors, attended by Shaher Saad, secretary-general of the Palestinian General Federation of Trade Unions (PGFTU), along with representatives from affiliated Arab and international unions.

The conference’s final resolution, Resolution 352, confirms Palestine’s acceptance by the ILO Board of Directors.

Saad said the decision will be finalised at the International Labour Conference in June 2025. He emphasised that it grants Palestine full participation in all structures of the International Labour Organisation and opens the door for it to transition to participatory membership.

Only the occupation state of Israel opposed the decision.

The International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) welcomed the ILO Board’s decision.

ITUC General Secretary, Luca Visentini, said this recognition is a sign of hope and solidarity with the Palestinian people, who face enormous challenges regarding their human and labour rights. He added that recognising the state of Palestine is essential for sustainable peace.

Founded in 1919, the ILO is a United Nations agency dedicated to advancing social justice and internationally recognised labour rights. It remains the only tripartite agency within the UN, bringing together governments, employers and workers from 187 countries to set labour standards and promote fair working conditions globally.

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