Geneva: Pakistan reaffirmed its support for the Palestinian people during the 352nd Session of the International Labour Organization (ILO) Governing Body. Chaudhry Salik Hussain, the Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, spoke on behalf of Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member states, emphasizing the dire impact of the ongoing conflict on Palestinian livelihoods.

According to Press Information Department, Minister Chaudhry Salik acknowledged the ILO’s report titled “A Year of War in Gaza: Impacts on Employment and Livelihoods in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.” The report details the severe consequences of the conflict, including the displacement of over 2 million Palestinians, the destruction of 70,000 homes, and a sharp contraction of the region’s economy. The economic decline included a 32.2% reduction in the real GDP and an 84.7% economic downturn in Gaza.

The minister highlighted the extreme challenges faced by Palestinians, noting the staggering unemployment rates of 51.1% in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and 79.7% in Gaza. These conditions have forced many into unstable informal jobs with poor wages and no social protection.

Minister Chaudhry Salik praised the ILO’s emergency initiatives and endorsed a “building forward better” strategy. He stressed the importance of creating decent work opportunities, providing social protection, and developing employment-intensive infrastructure to ensure a sustainable future for Palestine. The minister called for international cooperation to support recovery and reconstruction efforts in the region, emphasizing the need for global commitment to promote justice and sustainable development.