The International Labour Organization (ILO) has officially granted Palestine the status of “non-member observer state.” This designation permits Palestine to engage in sessions of the International Labour Conference and regional meetings with a delegation that includes representatives from the government, employers, and workers. Additionally, Palestine will have the opportunity to participate in general discussions and technical committees, though it will not have voting rights or the ability to propose initiatives.
This decision was made during a plenary session of the 113th International Labour Conference held in Geneva, where a substantial majority voted in favor of a resolution titled “The Status of Palestine in the International Labour Organization and Its Rights to Participation in the Organization’s Meetings,” which had previously received endorsement from the Committee on General Affairs.
On May 10, 2024, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution urging specialized agencies, including the ILO, to implement additional arrangements that would enhance Palestine’s rights to participate in official bodies.