The International Labour Organization (ILO) Governing Body has made a landmark decision to acknowledge Palestine as a state, altering its designation from a ‘liberation movement’ to a ‘non-member observer state’ within the organization.
This updated status provides Palestine with certain rights and privileges to participate in ILO meetings and activities, though it stops short of full membership.
The decision aligns with the recent United Nations General Assembly Resolution ES-10/23, which recognized Palestine’s eligibility for UN membership and encouraged similar acknowledgment by UN agencies. However, Palestine remains outside formal ILO membership, as the UN Security Council has not passed a resolution recommending its admission.
“This recognition by the ILO is a meaningful step towards broader international validation of Palestinian statehood. It brings hope and serves as a powerful message of support for the Palestinian people, who face ongoing struggles for their human and labor rights,” stated Luc Triangle, General Secretary of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC).
Triangle further urged all governments to join the 146 nations that have already recognized Palestine as a state, adding that the global labor movement is committed to advocating for Palestine’s acceptance as a full and equal member of the international community.
“This action by the ILO sends an important political signal that the international recognition of Palestine is gaining momentum—a vital step toward achieving lasting peace, with two independent states coexisting in shared security,” Triangle added.
