As a result of the discussions and vote held on 2 June 2026 within the framework of the 114th International Labour Conference of the International Labour Organization (ILO), Palestine’s status as a “Non-Member Observer State” at the ILO was once again reaffirmed.

For many years, Palestine had been represented at the ILO under the status of a “national liberation movement.” With the decision adopted at the 113th International Labour Conference in 2025, Palestine was elevated to the status of a “Non-Member Observer State.” This decision constituted a historic step in terms of expanding Palestine’s representation and participation rights within the ILO.

However, following this status change adopted in 2025, objections to the decision were raised by several countries, particularly Israel. For this reason, the matter was reconsidered during the 114th International Labour Conference.

In the vote held, Palestine’s status was reaffirmed by 394 votes in favour, 17 against, and 42 abstentions. Thus, the international labour community once again clearly and strongly demonstrated its support for Palestine’s strengthened representation status within the ILO.

This strong support is not merely a diplomatic decision; it is also a reflection, on an international labour platform, of the sensitivity of the peoples of the world to justice, conscience, and human rights regarding the Palestinian question.

Strong Protest Against the Israeli Representative at the Plenary Session

During the Plenary Session held on 3 June 2026, the Israeli representative, who took the floor to protest the decision concerning Palestine’s status, was met with protests initiated by the delegation of our member confederation, Memur-Sen, and supported by many delegates. The Israeli representative’s speech was repeatedly interrupted due to the reactions in the hall.

This reaction in the Plenary Hall represented not only an objection to attempts to challenge Palestine’s right to representation at the ILO, but also a strong conscientious stance against the inhumane attacks in Gaza, the grave violations of rights targeting civilians and workers, and the systematic violation of international law.

ILC Delegation Attends Press Statement in Front of the Broken Chair Monument

The ILC delegation also attended the press statement held in front of the Broken Chair Monument in Geneva to protest the inhumane attacks in Gaza and the grave rights violations committed against the Palestinian people.

During the press statement, a message of solidarity with the Palestinian people was delivered, and an urgent call was made for an immediate end to the attacks targeting civilians, workers, women, and children in Gaza.

The ILC family underlined that the international labour movement stands with the Palestinian people and will continue to support the Palestinian cause on the basis of justice, peace, human dignity, and international solidarity.

ILC Attends ALO Session on Palestinian Workers

The ILC delegation also attended the session organized by the Arab Labour Organization (ALO) on the situation of Palestinian workers.

During the session, the devastating effects of occupation, war, and blockade on Palestinian workers were addressed in relation to the right to work, social protection, trade union rights, decent work, and fundamental human rights.

The ILC stated that the severe conditions faced by Palestinian workers are not merely a regional issue, but a common responsibility of the global labour movement.

“The Palestinian Cause Is a Matter of Humanity’s Common Conscience”

The ILC emphasizes that the Palestinian question is not only the struggle of a people for freedom, but also a universal issue of justice, human rights, and human dignity that concerns the common conscience of humanity.

Stating that the international community cannot remain silent in the face of the grave rights violations suffered by Palestinian workers, labourers, and civilians, the ILC underlines the need to strengthen global solidarity in order to establish justice in working life, social peace, human rights, and lasting peace.

As the ILC, we will continue to stand with the Palestinian people in their struggle for freedom, justice, and a dignified life.

Our struggle for a free Palestine will always continue.