GENEVA (ILO News) – High unemployment continues to grip Palestinian communities in the Occupied Arab Territories, reaching an average of 35 per cent, the International Labour Office (ILO) says in a new report. A recent high-level mission to the area also found that "severe restrictions" on the movement of persons, goods and services were causing "severe losses in production, employment and income, a report on the situation of workers of the Occupied Arab Territories said. View Full Report (pdf) "The reality of life in the territories is one of strangulation of the economy." ILO Director-General Juan Somavia said in a preface to the report. "Poverty continues to grip Palestinian communities, relieved only by large-scale international assistance." Unemployment in the last quarter of 2003 hit 20.7 per cent in the West Bank and 31.9 per cent in Gaza, a slight improvement over 2002, the report said, adding that close to 290,000 persons – 89 per cent of whom are men – were unemployed or discouraged from looking for work. It added "this suggests an expanded unemployment rate of 35.3 per cent, a number which would be even higher if women confined to their homes by necessity and not by choice were included". The report said the actual number of Palestinians from the West Bank and Gaza working in Israel is highly dependent on the continuously changing Israeli restrictions on the movement of persons within the occupied territories and into Israel. Noting that "a valid work permit is no guarantee of actual employment, particularly for those workers who have to enter Israel to work", the report said restrictions on mobility continue to intensify because of the new West Bank separation wall. "The delays, increased costs and loss of earnings that result from road closures, prolonged security checks and curfews hamper economic activity of all kinds, thus reducing family incomes," Mr. Somavia said. "No sustained recovery of the economy is possible while this situation prevails." Nevertheless, the report also cited some improved mobility in the West bank, but in some areas the situation "clearly remains volatile". One out of three Palestinians said reaching their place of work was "difficult, very difficult or impossible" in March, compared to 50 per cent in August 2003. In Gaza, 14.4 per cent said they had problems with mobility compared to nearly 30 per cent last August. The economy of Israel, meanwhile, pulled out of recession in 2003 with a growth in GDP of 1.2 per cent, thanks to a "vigorous increase in exports and higher domestic consumer confidence", the report said. Nevertheless, a major element in Israel's fiscal deficit of -5.7 per cent of GDP was the cost of the occupation, the report said, including expenditure on the separation wall. Despite a pickup in 2003, "prolonged high unemployment in Israel has led to a sharp increase in poverty", it added. "The number of families living below the poverty line is estimated at 18.1 per cent in 2002, reaching 44.7 per cent among the non-Jewish population – particularly the Arab population". The ILO has an ongoing technical cooperation programme for the Occupied Arab Territories, centred around strengthening the capacity of employers' and workers' organizations and the Ministry of Labour for promoting social dialogue as a requirement for peace and has allocated US$1 million to the Palestinian Fund for Employment and Social Protection. The Fund is the umbrella for the coordination of all financial and technical assistance for employment creation in the West Bank and Gaza. The ILO Mission concluded that, "development strategies for the Palestinian economy have to focus on rebuilding the internal labour market. As this will take time, a complementary strategy for Palestinian work in Israel and in other countries is necessary". The report places special emphasis on the gender dimensions of the situation of workers, and highlights the role of Palestinian women in holding together families and communities. It added that development strategies for the Palestinian economy should "aim to realize the full productive capacity of women, given their high educational qualifications" and recommended the establishment of an inter-ministerial working group to develop a national women's employment strategy that would be integrated into the overall employment strategy of the Palestinian Authority. Related Articles
By: AFP
Date: 01/06/2004
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Israeli Occupation of Palestinian Territories Strangling Economy: ILO
GENEVA - Israel's occupation of the Palestinian territories is strangling the chances of economic growth in the area, the United Nations ' International Labour Office warned in a report. "The reality of life in the territories is one of strangulation of the economy," ILO director-general Juan Somavia said in the report, published on the first day of the organisation's annual conference in Geneva. "Poverty continues to grip Palestinian communities, relieved only by large-scale international assistance," he said. A recent ILO mission to the area found that severe restrictions on people's movement and the transportation of goods and services hampered production, employment and wages, the report said. The ILO estimated that the rate of unemployment in the occupied territories was 20.7 percent in the West Bank and 31.9 percent in Gaza in the last quarter of 2003. The number of Palestinians working in Israel depended on ever-changing Israeli restrictions, the report charged. In addition, road closures, security checks and curfews added to the financial strain. "No sustained recovery of the economy is possible while this situation prevails," said Somavia. The situation in the occupied territories is just one of the themes expected to be discussed at the ILO conference that runs until June 17 and will gather some 3,000 delegates from governments, companies and trade unions worldwide, including the new Spanish prime minister, Jose Luis Zapatero. At a news conference on Tuesday, Somavia called for a change in the direction of globalisation, noting that 186 million people in the world were officially without a job. By: International Labour Office Geneva
Date: 01/06/2004
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The Situation of Workers of the Occupied Arab Territories
International Labour Office Geneva
International Labour Conference, 92nd Session, 2004
The situation of workers of the occupied Arab territories Preface I submit this report in accordance with the resolution adopted by the International Labour Conference at its 66th Session (1980). 1 As for the previous two years, I decided that it should be prepared following high-level missions to Israel and the occupied Arab territories and to the Syrian Arab Republic in order to make as full an assessment as possible, in the prevailing circumstances, of the situation of workers of the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, the Gaza Strip and the Golan. This reflects the great importance our Organization attaches to the rights of workers in the occupied territories and the appreciation our constituents and others have indicated for our close attention to this situation. The Governing Body of the International Labour Office and the Conference have seen scope for the ILO to play a constructive role in the region in alleviating the difficulties faced by working women and men and their families and in contributing to peace and security. This year’s report provides a factual assessment of the economic and social circumstances of workers of the occupied territories at a time of continuing tension and conflict. It also offers some proposals on how the ILO, within its means of action, could contribute to easing these difficulties and, in doing so, make a modest contribution to building the economic and social foundations for peace. The report makes for sobering reading. The situation prevailing in the occupied Arab territories continues to be a source of tension in the region and beyond: this at a time when all available energies and resources need to be harnessed for dialogue to improve the overall political, economic and social conditions in the region. All of us are aware of the restrictions, security measures, acts of violence and impositions that afflict people in the occupied Arab territories. This report goes behind the headlines to examine the impact that the heightened state of tension in the territories has on the daily life and work of Palestinian women and men and their families, and on their institutions. It is no consolation for them to observe that their near neighbours, Israeli workers and their families, are living through times of great difficulty in their own way, and many fear further acts of violence against them. The reality of life in the territories is one of strangulation of the economy, with consequent far-reaching social impacts. Poverty continues to grip Palestinian communities, relieved only by large-scale international assistance. The report documents in detail the many obstacles Palestinians face in trying to earn a living and support themselves in dignity and independence. It also shows the extraordinary resilience of the human spirit in overcoming the barriers to a normal life to make a space for physical and mental survival. I have placed special emphasis this year on the gender dimensions of the situation of workers, and the report highlights the role of Palestinian women in holding together families and communities through these very dark times. The fragile situation described in last year’s report has changed very little. A few economic indicators have improved slightly since last year, when tensions were at a very high point. This is no comfort however to Palestinian workers and employers endeavouring to work normally in abnormal circumstances. Restrictions on the movement of Palestinian workers and the goods and services they produce are pervasive. The delays, increased costs and loss of earnings that result from road closures, prolonged security checks and curfews hamper economic activity of all kinds, thus reducing family incomes. No sustained recovery of the economy is possible while this situation prevails. Obstacles to the functioning of the economy create social tensions which in turn add to political frustration. Compounded by the lack of progress in political negotiations, the depressed state of the economy of the territories creates fertile ground for those on either side of the conflict who wish to exploit the situation to foment yet more acts of violence. The longer this vicious cycle continues, the harder it will become to reverse course and build peace and security for all people living in the region. Special attention is given to the situation of women in the occupied territories. In spite of high educational attainments, women remain marginalized in the labour market. They nevertheless bear the brunt of the crisis and are central to the coping strategies devised by families and communities. The report documents with hard statistics the economic and social situation in the West Bank, the Gaza Strip and the Golan. But the mission also heard many personal stories that illustrate the urgency of finding solutions to the conflict. The report requests members of governments, and employers’ and workers’ organizations worldwide, to listen to and understand the plight, but also the aspirations, of the workers of the occupied territories and their families. All women and men in the region, as indeed anywhere in the world, have the right to live in peace and security so that they can work productively and provide for themselves and their families. The Road Map to peace presented last year by the Quartet has yet to deliver on its promise to the Palestinian and Israeli peoples, of two States living side by side in peace and security. This can only be achieved, as restated recently by the United Nations Secretary-General, through a comprehensive political settlement. Without such a settlement, sustained economic and social recovery is inconceivable. But political negotiations cannot be separated from socio-economic security. History has taught us many times that security in one country cannot be built on creating insecurity in another. We in the ILO have a duty to do what we can to contribute to a peace settlement within our mandate. Ensuring that the grave situation of workers in the territories is known and understood is one small but important step. Promoting social dialogue between Israeli and Palestinian workers and employers is another. The conclusions to this report set out several practical proposals, including measures needed to fully activate the Palestinian Fund for Employment and Social Protection set up last year. A solution can only be found as part of negotiations and dialogue; political dialogue, social dialogue, citizens’ dialogue. To fulfil one’s potential in life, have a decent job to sustain a family and see one’s children through education are the common aspirations of people everywhere, whatever their religious faith and national origin. The Israeli and Palestinian peoples share this aspiration. The parties to the conflict have placed confidence in the ILO and its procedures. This not only does credit to our Organization, it also encourages us to continue and, if possible, expand our work in the areas seen as essential to the situation of working women and men and their families in the territories. Our services in the fields of employment and enterprise development, social protection, fundamental principles and rights at work and social dialogue are important to the population of the occupied Arab territories today and for their state-in-the-making. The principles of social justice which inspired the founders of the ILO after the Great War 85 years ago remain as relevant as ever today to the search for peace in the Middle East. When the foundation stone of the first lakeside headquarters of the ILO was laid, a scroll with the following motto in Latin was placed under it: “If you seek peace, cultivate justice”. Let us continue this work and step up our efforts to provide practical assistance, remembering the values and principles that are always and everywhere the foundations of lasting peace. May 2004.
1 Resolution concerning the implications of Israeli settlements in Palestine and other occupied Arab territories in connection with the situation of Arab workers. Contents
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By: UN Women
Date: 09/03/2019
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My Rights, Our Power: A Joint Campaign Launched in Palestine to Raise Awareness on Women’s Fundamental Human Rights
1_March 2019, Ramallah – On the occasion of the International Women’s Day (8 March), a week-long joint campaign “My Rights, Our Power” was launched today in Palestine to raise awareness on women’s fundamental human rights. The joint effort, with participation from over 30 national and international partners from civil society organizations, media outlets, and international development agencies, targets youth, women, and men in various geographic areas in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and Gaza to promote women’s human rights in Palestine. The campaign comes at a crucial moment when the anticipated adoption of the Family Protection Bill is at a standstill, raising concerns among national and international stakeholders about the consequences of such delay on safeguarding women’s fundamental human rights in Palestine. According to the Palestine report of the International Men and Gender Equality Survey (IMAGES), nearly one in five Palestinian men (17 percent) surveyed said they had perpetrated act of physical intimate partner violence against female partners, while 21 per cent of women surveyed reported having experienced such violence. “Family violence, usually committed by a family member who has social or economic power over others in the family, causes enormous pain and suffering to all members of the family, especially the women and children,” said a spokesperson from civil society, which has vigorously initiated the development of the Family Protection Bill (FPB), and has strongly pushed its adoption since 2004. “The violation of women’s human rights manifests in various levels and should be also understood from economic, cultural, and social aspects,” the spokesperson added, highlighting the lack of opportunities and freedom of choice, as well as limited access to justice and services that women in Palestine still experience. The joint campaign aims to raise awareness of the general public, especially youth, women, and men on women’s fundamental rights in line with international standards and embedded in the Family Protection Bill draft endorsed by the previous Cabinet at the end of December 2018. Five key messages, addressing women’s right to a life free of violence, right to achieve justice and seek help in case of violation of such life, as well as the right to equal opportunities and right to make one’s own choices, will be distributed through various channels such as radio, social media, helpline (121), outreach activities, and on-site events. The closing event of the joint campaign will take place on 8 March in Jerusalem and will celebrate women’s achievements using TED-style talks, followed by art performances. “My Rights, Our Power” joint campaign is part of the global International Women’s Day 2019 campaign under the theme of “Think equal, build smart, innovate for change”. The theme focuses on innovative ways in which we can advance gender equality and the empowerment of women, particularly in the areas of social protection systems, access to public services and sustainable infrastructure, echoing the theme of the 63rd session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW 63) taking place in New York on 11-22 March 2019. The participating organizations of the “My Rights, Our Power” are (in alphabetical order): 17 Palestinian women’s organizations represented by Al-Muntada (coalition), British Consulate-General, Business Women Forum, CARE International, Consulate General of Sweden, Consulate General of Belgium, EUPOL COPPS, EU Representative Office, FAO, General Union of Palestinian Women, Government of Japan, CowaterSogema/GROW Project, International Labour Organization, Italian Agency for Development Cooperation, Ma’an TV, MIFTAH, Netherlands Representative Office, Nisaa FM, Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Palestinian Working Woman Society for Development, Palestinian Family Planning and Protection Association, Representative Office of Canada, Representative Office of Denmark, SAWA, Sawasya II, Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation, Sports for Life, Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, Representative Office of Norway, UNDP, UNESCO, UNFPA, UNICEF, UNOPS, UN Women, Women's Centre for Legal Aid and Counseling, Women’s Studies Center. For more information, please contact Eunjin Jeong at UN Women via eunjin.jeong@unwomen.org or 059 2321 308, Majd Beltaji at UNESCO via m.beltaji@unesco.org or 059 4501 506.
By: Dr. Riyad Mansour
Date: 08/11/2017
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Statement of Ambassador Dr. Riyad Mansour, Permanent Observer of the State of Palestine to the United Nations, before the United Nations Security Council Open Debate on Women, Peace and Security, 27 October 2017
Mr. President, We thank France for organizing this important meeting and extend our appreciation to the Chef de Cabinet of the Secretary General, the Executive Director of UN Women, the NGO Working Group on Women, Peace and Security and the Secretary-General of the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie for their efforts and important briefings. The issue before us is of relevance not only for half the planet, but to all, given the role and contribution of women in the fields of peace and security and the untapped potential that could be unleashed by mainstreaming their participation. Since the adoption by consensus of resolution 1325 by this Council, a lot has happened, and yet we are still far from the goal of full and equal participation, including in the prevention and resolution of conflicts and in peace-building, and from ensuring the protection and empowerment of women. Gender equality and non-discrimination remain prerequisites for the fulfilment of the purposes and principles of this organization and all of our lofty, collective commitments, including the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The State of Palestine welcomes the Secretary General’s report and his commitment to implementing the women and peace and security agenda, including by placing gender at the centre of his prevention platform and surge in diplomacy. We appreciate all efforts by the UN in this regard, including by UN Women, OHCHR and UNDP, notably in the field of human rights, capacity building, employment and rule of law. We urge UN bodies, notably those operating in Palestine, including the Special Representative, to intensify their engagement and collaboration with women organizations. Mr. President, I wish to highlight some of Palestine’s own important efforts in this regard. The Palestinian women’s movement is one of the oldest and strongest in the region and beyond, with institutional and representative structures established as early as the 19th century. Within the PLO, the General Union of Palestinian Women was among the first unions to be established. A coordination of women frameworks within PLO political parties and other organizations has also been established as the “Women’s Affairs Technical Committee” in the aftermath of the 1991 Madrid Peace Conference. There have been many achievements thereafter. Among them: In 2012, Palestine inaugurated a High-Level National Committee for the implementation of resolution 1325, led by the Ministry of Women Affairs in partnership with relevant Ministries and NGOs. In 2016, the State of Palestine was among the 68 countries and areas that adopted a National Action Plan on women, peace and security. This Action Plan (2017-2019), adopted by both the Government and civil society organizations, identifies three primary objectives: 1. ensuring protection for women and girls both domestically and in the face of the Israeli occupation; 2. ensuring accountability through national and international mechanisms, with a particular focus on crimes and violations committed by the occupation; and 3. furthering women’s political participation in decision making at the national and international level. The State of Palestine also joined core IHL and human rights instruments, including CEDAW, without reservations. Women’s participation and empowerment are also important and cross-cutting objectives in the context of the National Policy Agenda (2017-2022). We are, however, conscious that, despite all these efforts, much more work remains to be done. Only in 2009 was a women elected to the highest executive body of the PLO. Quotas are still decisive in allowing women’s election to Parliament and local councils. And while women organizations were among the strongest advocates of national reconciliation, they have been unfairly absent from reconciliation talks. The relevant legislative framework applicable in Palestine is also outdated and must be revised to ensure consistency with Palestine’s international commitments and obligations and avail women the protection and rights they are entitled to and the opportunities they deserve. Mr. President, The Palestinian women’s movement since its establishment over a century ago pursued the struggle on two fronts – the struggle for the independence of Palestine and the struggle for women’s rights and empowerment – a dual struggle the movement continues to pursue to this day. The Israeli occupation remains the main source of the violations of our women’s rights and their vulnerability and violence against their person. We have repeatedly called for protection of the Palestinian people, especially women and children. We have also called for accountability, a key element of resolution 1325, the first resolution to address the disproportionate and unique impact of armed conflict on women, as the only way to put an end to violations and crimes. While Palestine stands ready to do its part to advance women rights and the role of women in the fields of peace and security, it is clear that the enjoyment of these rights in our country necessitates ending the Israeli occupation. We will thus continue to work for an end of the occupation and true progress on the path to independence, justice and peace, with the equal and full involvement of women, leading to an independent State of Palestine ensuring human rights for all its citizens without discrimination.
By: Palestinian Women Coalition of UNSCR 1325
Date: 20/10/2016
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Seeking Justice: Statement by the Palestinian Women Coalition of UNSCR 1325 on the visit of the delegation of the International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor’s Office on 9-10 October 2016 to Palestine
On the occasion of the ICC Prosecutor’s Office to Palestine, the Palestinian Women Coalition of UNSCR 1325, which consists of twelve different Palestinian women’s organisations, is urging the Prosecutor’s Office to take concrete actions towards investigating war crimes committed against Palestinians. The Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom remains deeply concerned with the complete impunity of Israeli war crimes and firmly supports the Coalition’s call for a just accountability mechanism for Palestinian victims. WILPF also calls on the international community to recognise and fully support Palestinian women’s organisations substantial role in paving the paths to justice, accountability and peace. Read the statement of the Palestinian Women Coalition of UNSCR 1325 below. We, the Palestinian Women Coalition of UNSCR 1325,welcome the visit of the delegation of the ICC Prosecutor’s Office as a step in the right direction. But we are deeply disappointed that the purpose of this visit was restricted to preliminary examination, while Palestinian victims of Israeli war crimes, including women, continue to suffer and urgently await justice and an end to Israel impunity. We do not understand the decision to exclude the Gaza Strip from this visit, when Gaza has been the site of the most war crimes and where women have been most systematically impacted by Israeli collective punishment policies; a prolonged imposed siege and a severe humanitarian deterioration resulting from Israeli military aggressions . We are further disappointed that women who have been systematically impacted, and their women’s organisations, have been excluded from the delegation’s agenda. We call upon all future delegations of the ICC Prosecutor’s Office to include on their agenda meetings with women’s organisations and women who have experienced direct and indirect impacts of Israeli crimes. We, the Palestinian Women Coalition of UNSCR 1325, have seen in UNSCR 1325, 2242, and other UN Resolutions a commitment to hold the Israeli perpetrators accountable for their war crimes. We look to the ICC as the most important mechanism to end impunity for all war crimes committed, finally bringing justice for the Palestinian people. Yet, we are very concerned that the preliminary examinations will be an endless process. Therefore, we urge, Ms. Fatou Bensouda, the Prosecutor of the ICC, to conclude the preliminary examination and move to investigations into Israeli war crimes, bringing justice to Palestinians. We have paid the price of non-accountability and impunity of Israeli war crimes for too long. “Delaying justice is justice denied.” Palestinian Women Coalition of UNSCR 1325: The General Union of Palestinian Women (GUPW), the Women’s Affairs Technical Committee (WATC), Palestinian Working Woman Society for Development (PWWSD), MIFTAH, Filastinyat, Women Media and Development (TAM), Women Stu Dies Center, Women’s Center for Legal Aid and Counseling (WACLAC), the National, YWCA of Palestine, Center for Women’s Legal Research and Consulting (CWLRC), the Culture and Free thought Association(CWLRC) and Women’s Affairs Center (GWAC). Occupied Palestine October 11, 2016
By the Same Author
Date: 01/06/2004
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Unemployment, Poverty Grips Palestinian Workers
GENEVA (ILO News) – High unemployment continues to grip Palestinian communities in the Occupied Arab Territories, reaching an average of 35 per cent, the International Labour Office (ILO) says in a new report. A recent high-level mission to the area also found that "severe restrictions" on the movement of persons, goods and services were causing "severe losses in production, employment and income, a report on the situation of workers of the Occupied Arab Territories said. View Full Report (pdf) "The reality of life in the territories is one of strangulation of the economy." ILO Director-General Juan Somavia said in a preface to the report. "Poverty continues to grip Palestinian communities, relieved only by large-scale international assistance." Unemployment in the last quarter of 2003 hit 20.7 per cent in the West Bank and 31.9 per cent in Gaza, a slight improvement over 2002, the report said, adding that close to 290,000 persons – 89 per cent of whom are men – were unemployed or discouraged from looking for work. It added "this suggests an expanded unemployment rate of 35.3 per cent, a number which would be even higher if women confined to their homes by necessity and not by choice were included". The report said the actual number of Palestinians from the West Bank and Gaza working in Israel is highly dependent on the continuously changing Israeli restrictions on the movement of persons within the occupied territories and into Israel. Noting that "a valid work permit is no guarantee of actual employment, particularly for those workers who have to enter Israel to work", the report said restrictions on mobility continue to intensify because of the new West Bank separation wall. "The delays, increased costs and loss of earnings that result from road closures, prolonged security checks and curfews hamper economic activity of all kinds, thus reducing family incomes," Mr. Somavia said. "No sustained recovery of the economy is possible while this situation prevails." Nevertheless, the report also cited some improved mobility in the West bank, but in some areas the situation "clearly remains volatile". One out of three Palestinians said reaching their place of work was "difficult, very difficult or impossible" in March, compared to 50 per cent in August 2003. In Gaza, 14.4 per cent said they had problems with mobility compared to nearly 30 per cent last August. The economy of Israel, meanwhile, pulled out of recession in 2003 with a growth in GDP of 1.2 per cent, thanks to a "vigorous increase in exports and higher domestic consumer confidence", the report said. Nevertheless, a major element in Israel's fiscal deficit of -5.7 per cent of GDP was the cost of the occupation, the report said, including expenditure on the separation wall. Despite a pickup in 2003, "prolonged high unemployment in Israel has led to a sharp increase in poverty", it added. "The number of families living below the poverty line is estimated at 18.1 per cent in 2002, reaching 44.7 per cent among the non-Jewish population – particularly the Arab population". The ILO has an ongoing technical cooperation programme for the Occupied Arab Territories, centred around strengthening the capacity of employers' and workers' organizations and the Ministry of Labour for promoting social dialogue as a requirement for peace and has allocated US$1 million to the Palestinian Fund for Employment and Social Protection. The Fund is the umbrella for the coordination of all financial and technical assistance for employment creation in the West Bank and Gaza. The ILO Mission concluded that, "development strategies for the Palestinian economy have to focus on rebuilding the internal labour market. As this will take time, a complementary strategy for Palestinian work in Israel and in other countries is necessary". The report places special emphasis on the gender dimensions of the situation of workers, and highlights the role of Palestinian women in holding together families and communities. It added that development strategies for the Palestinian economy should "aim to realize the full productive capacity of women, given their high educational qualifications" and recommended the establishment of an inter-ministerial working group to develop a national women's employment strategy that would be integrated into the overall employment strategy of the Palestinian Authority. Date: 01/06/2004
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The Situation of Workers of the Occupied Arab Territories
International Labour Office Geneva
International Labour Conference, 92nd Session, 2004
The situation of workers of the occupied Arab territories Preface I submit this report in accordance with the resolution adopted by the International Labour Conference at its 66th Session (1980). 1 As for the previous two years, I decided that it should be prepared following high-level missions to Israel and the occupied Arab territories and to the Syrian Arab Republic in order to make as full an assessment as possible, in the prevailing circumstances, of the situation of workers of the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, the Gaza Strip and the Golan. This reflects the great importance our Organization attaches to the rights of workers in the occupied territories and the appreciation our constituents and others have indicated for our close attention to this situation. The Governing Body of the International Labour Office and the Conference have seen scope for the ILO to play a constructive role in the region in alleviating the difficulties faced by working women and men and their families and in contributing to peace and security. This year’s report provides a factual assessment of the economic and social circumstances of workers of the occupied territories at a time of continuing tension and conflict. It also offers some proposals on how the ILO, within its means of action, could contribute to easing these difficulties and, in doing so, make a modest contribution to building the economic and social foundations for peace. The report makes for sobering reading. The situation prevailing in the occupied Arab territories continues to be a source of tension in the region and beyond: this at a time when all available energies and resources need to be harnessed for dialogue to improve the overall political, economic and social conditions in the region. All of us are aware of the restrictions, security measures, acts of violence and impositions that afflict people in the occupied Arab territories. This report goes behind the headlines to examine the impact that the heightened state of tension in the territories has on the daily life and work of Palestinian women and men and their families, and on their institutions. It is no consolation for them to observe that their near neighbours, Israeli workers and their families, are living through times of great difficulty in their own way, and many fear further acts of violence against them. The reality of life in the territories is one of strangulation of the economy, with consequent far-reaching social impacts. Poverty continues to grip Palestinian communities, relieved only by large-scale international assistance. The report documents in detail the many obstacles Palestinians face in trying to earn a living and support themselves in dignity and independence. It also shows the extraordinary resilience of the human spirit in overcoming the barriers to a normal life to make a space for physical and mental survival. I have placed special emphasis this year on the gender dimensions of the situation of workers, and the report highlights the role of Palestinian women in holding together families and communities through these very dark times. The fragile situation described in last year’s report has changed very little. A few economic indicators have improved slightly since last year, when tensions were at a very high point. This is no comfort however to Palestinian workers and employers endeavouring to work normally in abnormal circumstances. Restrictions on the movement of Palestinian workers and the goods and services they produce are pervasive. The delays, increased costs and loss of earnings that result from road closures, prolonged security checks and curfews hamper economic activity of all kinds, thus reducing family incomes. No sustained recovery of the economy is possible while this situation prevails. Obstacles to the functioning of the economy create social tensions which in turn add to political frustration. Compounded by the lack of progress in political negotiations, the depressed state of the economy of the territories creates fertile ground for those on either side of the conflict who wish to exploit the situation to foment yet more acts of violence. The longer this vicious cycle continues, the harder it will become to reverse course and build peace and security for all people living in the region. Special attention is given to the situation of women in the occupied territories. In spite of high educational attainments, women remain marginalized in the labour market. They nevertheless bear the brunt of the crisis and are central to the coping strategies devised by families and communities. The report documents with hard statistics the economic and social situation in the West Bank, the Gaza Strip and the Golan. But the mission also heard many personal stories that illustrate the urgency of finding solutions to the conflict. The report requests members of governments, and employers’ and workers’ organizations worldwide, to listen to and understand the plight, but also the aspirations, of the workers of the occupied territories and their families. All women and men in the region, as indeed anywhere in the world, have the right to live in peace and security so that they can work productively and provide for themselves and their families. The Road Map to peace presented last year by the Quartet has yet to deliver on its promise to the Palestinian and Israeli peoples, of two States living side by side in peace and security. This can only be achieved, as restated recently by the United Nations Secretary-General, through a comprehensive political settlement. Without such a settlement, sustained economic and social recovery is inconceivable. But political negotiations cannot be separated from socio-economic security. History has taught us many times that security in one country cannot be built on creating insecurity in another. We in the ILO have a duty to do what we can to contribute to a peace settlement within our mandate. Ensuring that the grave situation of workers in the territories is known and understood is one small but important step. Promoting social dialogue between Israeli and Palestinian workers and employers is another. The conclusions to this report set out several practical proposals, including measures needed to fully activate the Palestinian Fund for Employment and Social Protection set up last year. A solution can only be found as part of negotiations and dialogue; political dialogue, social dialogue, citizens’ dialogue. To fulfil one’s potential in life, have a decent job to sustain a family and see one’s children through education are the common aspirations of people everywhere, whatever their religious faith and national origin. The Israeli and Palestinian peoples share this aspiration. The parties to the conflict have placed confidence in the ILO and its procedures. This not only does credit to our Organization, it also encourages us to continue and, if possible, expand our work in the areas seen as essential to the situation of working women and men and their families in the territories. Our services in the fields of employment and enterprise development, social protection, fundamental principles and rights at work and social dialogue are important to the population of the occupied Arab territories today and for their state-in-the-making. The principles of social justice which inspired the founders of the ILO after the Great War 85 years ago remain as relevant as ever today to the search for peace in the Middle East. When the foundation stone of the first lakeside headquarters of the ILO was laid, a scroll with the following motto in Latin was placed under it: “If you seek peace, cultivate justice”. Let us continue this work and step up our efforts to provide practical assistance, remembering the values and principles that are always and everywhere the foundations of lasting peace. May 2004.
1 Resolution concerning the implications of Israeli settlements in Palestine and other occupied Arab territories in connection with the situation of Arab workers. Contents
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