Situation of workers of the occupied Arab territories – Presentation of ILO report at 99th session – Provisional record (excerpts)

 Tenth sitting

Wednesday, 16 June 2010, 10.00 a.m.

Presidents: Ms Powell and Mr de Robien

REPORT OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE OF GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVES: SUBMISSION, DISCUSSION AND APPROVAL

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Original Arabic: Mr CHABAT (Worker, Morocco)

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On behalf of the Moroccan workers' delegation, we strongly condemn the criminal act perpetrated against the humanitarian relief convoy that tried to lift the blockade on Gaza, which claimed innocent martyrs to humanitarian solidarity. We appreciate the appendix to the Director-General's Report relating to Palestine and call on the Conference to adopt a clear condemnation of the arrogant Israeli entity, which has rejected the peace process, and which should be classified as a special case. We call for the liberation of the occupied territory and the establishment of a free and independent Palestinian State, with Al-Quds as its capital.

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Original Arabic: Mr LOUH (Minister of Labour, Employment and Social Security, Algeria)

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The Palestinian workers and those in the other occupied Arab territories continue to suffer from an extremely difficult situation. We call on the international community to demand the immediate lifting of the unjust blockade on Gaza and to take on its responsibilities in regard to the inhuman practices perpetrated against the proud Palestinian people by the occupying authorities, in contravention of international agreements.

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Mr BADR (Government, Egypt)

It gives me great honour and pleasure to deliver the statement on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) ministers of labour. The ministers of the Non-Aligned Movement, convening during the 99th Session of the International Labour Conference have deliberated on a number of issues of interest and concern.

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The NAM labour ministers expressed the rejection of the Israeli policies that have led to the deteriorating economic and social conditions in the occupied Palestinian territories, as well as the occupied Syrian Golan, which seriously affect workers' and employers' ability to carry out their activities. They recalled the commitments undertaken by the international community to help the Palestinian people. They condemned the unlawful Israeli attack on the flotilla carrying humanitarian supplies to the Palestinian people, and call for the immediate lifting of the siege imposed by Israel on Gaza and other occupied territories.

Finally, the NAM labour ministers invite the Director-General of the ILO to convene a meeting with international donors to provide and raise financial support for the technical assistance provided by the ILO in order to help improve the economic and social progress of the Palestinian people.

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Mr YITZHAKY (Government, Israel)

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In parallel with its efforts in the socio-economic sphere, the Government of Israel has been steadfast in its commitment to the promotion of peace and friendship with all our neighbours, the Palestinian Authority and the other Arab nations, in order to achieve prosperity in our region.

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Original Arabic: Mr KARA (Worker, Israel)

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The democratic State of Israel certainly aspires to the well-being of all of its citizens, without exception. It also seeks to improve their standard of living and to establish security and peace in the region. The Histadrut appreciates the Government's efforts to achieve peace and resolve the pending problems with the Palestinians. We support the steps it has taken to create the necessary conditions for progress in the peace talks. The Histadrut supports these efforts, and urges the Government to continue them. We invite all the parties to create a climate conducive to peace and cooperation between all the States of the region.   

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