Geneva:The State of Qatar participated in a Partners' Meeting to support the International Labour Organization's (ILO) Program of Assistance for the Occupied Palestinian Territory. The meeting, held in Geneva, saw attendance from Ministers of Labour and representatives from ILO Member States. Dr. Ali bin Samikh Al Marri, Qatar's Minister of Labour, represented the country at the event.

According to Qatar News Agency, Minister Al Marri highlighted the severe and worsening conditions in the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, and the Occupied Palestinian Territory, which are suffering from ongoing military operations and restricted aid access. This situation has led to a significant humanitarian and economic crisis, with over half a million jobs lost since October 2023. Unemployment has risen to 28.6 percent in the West Bank and over 80 percent in the Gaza Strip, illustrating the dire challenges faced by Palestinian workers and employers.

Minister Al Marri expressed appreciation for the ILO's Emergency Response Plan and its associated recovery initiatives. He welcomed the Decent Work and Recovery Program for the Occupied Palestinian Territory for 2026-2029, which focuses on employment and enterprise recovery, social protection, and labour market governance. He emphasized the necessity of increased international efforts to ensure aid reaches those in need.

The Minister also thanked the ILO Director-General and the Organization's Office for organizing the meeting and commended the ILO's efforts to alleviate the impact of war and violence on Palestinian lives. Qatar's participation in the meeting underscores its ongoing support for the Palestinian people and the need for the ILO to enhance its emergency humanitarian assistance efforts in the region.

Source Qatar News Agency