The International Labour Organization (ILO) has officially granted Palestine the status of a “non-member observer state.” This designation allows Palestine to participate in International Labour Conference sessions and regional meetings with a delegation consisting of representatives from the government, employers, and workers. Additionally, Palestine will be able to engage in general discussions and technical committees, although it will not have voting rights or the ability to submit proposals.
This decision was made during a plenary session of the 113th International Labour Conference held in Geneva, where a significant majority voted in favor of a resolution titled “Palestine’s Status in the International Labour Organization and its Rights to Participate in Meetings.” This resolution had previously been adopted by the Committee on General Affairs.
On May 10, 2024, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution urging specialized UN agencies, including the ILO, to establish additional arrangements that would allow Palestine to expand its rights to participate in official bodies.