GENEVA: The statement, presented by His Excellency Ambassador Idris bin Abdul Rahman Al-Khanjari, also urged the ILO to develop a detailed report on the crisis’s impact on Lebanon’s labour market and the ongoing emergency response.

The Sultanate of Oman, in coordination with the Arab Group, submitted several amendments to the ILO’s proposed resolution, advocating for strengthened protections for Lebanese civilians and essential infrastructure, along with welcoming diplomatic efforts toward a ceasefire. The proposed amendments included a request for a comprehensive report by the ILO Director-General on the crisis’s labor market impact, to be discussed at the next Governing Body session.

His Excellency Ambassador Al-Khanjari condemned the extensive impact of Israeli aggression on Lebanese civilians and infrastructure, highlighting that it has left 3,000 dead, injured 13,000, and displaced over a million people, with many forced into neighboring countries as refugees. Describing the devastation, he cited widespread destruction of infrastructure, including healthcare facilities, schools, and farms, which has severely hampered Lebanon’s economic and social stability.

“The bombing of entire residential neighborhoods and their demolition over the heads of their residents, and the targeting of innocent civilians whose pure blood was mixed with the blood of UN employees and UNIFIL forces, is a flagrant violation of international law and international humanitarian law by Israel, the occupying power, and a clear violation of the Geneva Conventions and all international norms and covenants,” stated His Excellency, calling for the international community to take immediate and firm action.

He further underscored the grave economic toll on Lebanon, with estimates for reconstruction soaring over $25 billion due to widespread damage to small businesses and critical sectors, including agriculture and tourism.

The Arab Group expressed gratitude for the efforts of international bodies, including UNIFIL and UNRWA, who continue to provide relief under challenging conditions. His Excellency Ambassador Al-Khanjari voiced strong support for the ILO’s emergency plan, which prioritizes social protection, job preservation, and rehabilitation of damaged infrastructure. He called on ILO member states and donors to fund the plan, enabling expanded support for Lebanon’s recovery.

His Excellency emphasized that a more comprehensive ILO report should be submitted in future sessions to assess the crisis’s long-term effects on Lebanon’s labour market and socio-economic stability. He reiterated the Arab Group’s commitment to supporting Lebanon and thanked the ILO and its constituents for mobilizing resources and expertise in response to the crisis.

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