Palestine's status upgraded to 'observer state' at International Labour Organization

GENEVA

For the first time in five decades, the International Labour Organization (ILO) on Monday agreed to upgrade Palestine’s status from a "national liberation movement" to a "non-member observer state."

The decision was reached by consensus during the General Affairs Committee of the 113th International Labour Conference in Geneva. The final resolution is expected to be formally adopted in plenary on Thursday.

The move aligns the ILO's position with that of other UN agencies such as UNESCO and WHO, following the UN General Assembly's Resolution ES-10/23 in May 2024.

With the upgrade, Palestine will now enjoy expanded rights in the ILO, including delivering statements under all agenda items, submitting proposals, and participating in all meetings with tripartite delegations. It also gains the ability to nominate delegates to the Conference Bureau starting in 2026.

Ambassador Ibrahim Khraishi welcomed the decision in a statement, calling it a "firm and unambiguous response to the Israeli Knesset’s rejection of a Palestinian state."

"Some continue to reject fairness and persist in applying double standards, undermining the very principles of international legitimacy and justice," he added.

Khraishi criticized Hungary -- the only country opposing the resolution -- saying: "We are surprised by Hungary’s stance, especially considering it recognized the State of Palestine as far back as 1988."

The resolution was strongly supported by the Arab Group, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and countries including France, China, Spain, and Switzerland. Both the Employers' and Workers' Groups backed the resolution, emphasizing its humanitarian necessity and alignment with the ILO's values.

"This step is not merely symbolic," Khraishi said, but "an integral part of the Palestinian people’s legitimate national and political struggle for justice, sovereignty, and self-determination."