European Union Statement 

112th International Labour Conference

ILO Special Sitting to discuss the Appendix to the Report of the Director-General on "The situation of workers of the occupied Arab territories" 

Geneva, 6 June 2024

Chair,

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union and its Member States.

The candidate countries, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Albania, Ukraine, and the Republic of Moldova, as well as the EFTA countries Iceland and Norway, members of the European Economic Area, align themselves with this statement.

1. We thank the Office for the report on the situation of workers of the occupied Arab territories.
2.  The EU and its Member States are deeply concerned about the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza and its disproportionate effect on civilians, particularly children, as well as the imminent risk of famine caused by the insufficient entry of aid into Gaza. We are appalled by the unprecedented loss of civilian lives.
3. We commit to work with partners to end the crisis in Gaza without delay and implement United Nations Security Council Resolution 2728, including through reaching an immediate ceasefire and the unconditional and immediate release of all hostages, as well as providing full, rapid, safe and unhindered access to humanitarian aid at scale for Palestinians in need.
4. We recall our previous conclusions condemning Hamas in the strongest possible terms for its brutal and indiscriminate terrorist attacks across Israel on 7 October 2023, recognising Israel’s right to defend itself in line with international law and international humanitarian law, and calling for the immediate release of all hostages without any precondition.
5. All parties must respect international law, including international humanitarian law and international human rights law. We also stress the importance of respecting and implementing the orders of the International Court of Justice, which are legally binding.
6. We recall that the EU urged the Israeli government not to undertake a ground operation in Rafah, which would worsen the already catastrophic humanitarian situation and prevent the urgently needed provision of basic services and humanitarian assistance.
7. The European Union and its Member States remain firmly committed to a lasting and sustainable peace based on the two-state solution. Palestinians and Israelis have an equal right to live in safety, dignity and peace.
8. With regard to the ILO three-phase emergency response programme, which was developed to alleviate the impact of the ongoing conflict in Gaza on Palestinian workers and employers, we support its continued implementation in cooperation with other UN entities and international organisations. Aid needs to reach those in need in a safe manner and through all necessary means. The EU has already quadrupled its humanitarian assistance to Gaza, and continues to provide support to the Palestinian Authority, including through the EU-PEGASE programme with a view to contributing to the fulfilment of social rights.

Thank you, Chair.