Amman, June 1 (Petra) -- Senators participating in the 114th International Labour Conference in Geneva joined Arab counterparts in discussions aimed at strengthening coordination on key labour issues, with support for Palestinian workers and enhanced Arab representation within international labour institutions topping the agenda.

The delegation includes Chairman of the Senate Labour and Social Development Committee Issa Murad and committee members Sharhabil Madi and Nasimah Al-Fakhri.

According to a Senate statement issued Monday, the delegation took part in the first coordination meeting of the Arab Group on the sidelines of the conference, where representatives reviewed common positions on issues before the gathering and discussed mechanisms to bolster Arab engagement in its deliberations.

The meeting focused on arrangements related to the presidency of the conference's 114th session and associated leadership positions, alongside efforts to coordinate Arab nominations and participation across the conference's committees and specialized bodies.

Palestine featured prominently in the discussions, with participants reaffirming their support for the Palestinian cause and emphasizing the need to follow up on the implementation of International Labour Conference resolutions addressing the conditions of Arab workers in the occupied Palestinian territories.

Delegates also reviewed preparations for the International Forum of Solidarity with the Workers and People of Palestine, which is expected to highlight the challenges facing Palestinian labourers amid ongoing economic and political pressures.

Participants discussed the impact of Israeli measures in the occupied Arab territories, noting that labour markets in the occupied West Bank have been severely affected, resulting in the loss of thousands of jobs and employment opportunities.

The meeting further examined developments related to a decision by the Governing Body of the International Labour Organization concerning the suspension of certain constitutional provisions governing the participation of the State of Palestine in the International Labour Conference.

Arab representatives stressed the importance of enhancing Palestine's role within the organization and ensuring continued support for its labour and development rights at the international level.

The discussions also addressed progress on ratifying the 1986 amendment to the Constitution of the International Labour Organization, which seeks to broaden representation within the Governing Body of the International Labour Office.

In addition, participants reviewed the organization's Development Cooperation Strategy for 2026-2029, efforts to expand the use of Arabic within its institutions, and opportunities to strengthen cooperation between the Arab Labour Organization and the International Labour Organization in support of development priorities across the Arab world.

The meeting concluded with a call for sustained consultation and coordination among Arab delegations, with participants emphasizing that a unified approach remains essential to strengthening the Arab voice and influence within international labour forums.

//Petra// RZ