CAIRO: Qatar, represented by Minister of Labour HE Dr Ali bin Smaikh Al Marri, chaired the 100th session of the Board of Directors of the Arab Labor Organization, held in Cairo, Egypt.
The 100th session of the Board of Directors of the Arab Labor Organization was convened with the participation of representatives of the three production parties in the Arab countries (governments, employers, workers) according to the principle of tripartite representation, and several relevant Arab and regional organizations.
The Minister of Labour affirmed that Qatar has achieved pioneering accomplishments in the labour sector in the realization of the third national development strategy towards Qatar National Vision 2030 and achieving a safe and healthy work environment, noting the keenness to activate effective partnerships with Arab and international organizations and bodies to enhance the work environment and improve working conditions and terms.
He pointed out that the various crises the world has witnessed in recent years posed a tangible challenge to the economies of the Arab countries, highlighting the importance of expanding the umbrella of social protection to include workers in the informal sector to achieve sustainable development based on the three production parties (governments - employers - workers).
During his speech at the meeting, the minister praised the Arab role and the importance of unifying Arab positions at the international level, emphasizing the necessity of joint efforts and enhancing cooperation to face the economic and social challenges most Arab countries encounter.
Dr Al Marri said, "The unprecedented destruction of infrastructure in the Gaza Strip, the lack of decent livelihoods for workers, the crises experienced by the Palestinian labour market, in addition to the arbitrary measures by the occupation authorities, necessitate finding appropriate mechanisms to support the Palestinian labour sector, and the international community's responsibility to pressure the occupation authorities to pay the overdue dues to the Palestinian workers and compensate them for the damage suffered and allow them to return to their work."
In a relevant context, he reiterated Qatar's firm position on the Palestinian issue, which is the Arab committed position that peace should be based on a comprehensive, fair, and permanent settlement based on international legitimacy, emphasizing the position of the Arab Labor Organization on joint Arab work in supporting Palestinian workers in the occupied territories and improving their living and life conditions.
He voiced his hope that the meeting of the Board of Directors of the Arab Labor Organization would yield positive results that meet the needs and aspirations of the Arab people.
The board discussed an array of important items and reports and issued decisions and recommendations related to following up on the decisions of the 99th session of the Board of Directors of the Arab Labor Organization held in Qatar in October 2023, the report on the conditions of workers and the Palestinian people in the occupied Arab territories, and presented to the Council the draft Arab strategy for workforce development and employment, and the report on the results of the work of the Economic and Social Council.
Qatar, represented by Dr Al Marri, has chaired the Board of Directors of the Arab Labor Organization since its election last October for a one-year term ending in October 2024.
