Geneva: Oman leads Arab League response to Lebanon crisis plan
The Sultanate of Oman, in cooperation with the Arab Group, proposed amendments to the International Labour Organisation‘s resolution titled, “ILO Support for the Emergency Response to the Crisis in Lebanon.”
These amendments included provisions to protect essential facilities in Lebanon, welcomed efforts toward a ceasefire, requested a report from the ILO Director on the impact of the crisis on Lebanon's labour market and called for an updated emergency plan to be presented at the next Governing Body session.
This statement was delivered by Idris Abdul Rahman Alkhanjari, Oman’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva, on behalf of the Arab Group.
The group’s statement also condemned the Israeli aggression against Lebanon, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 3,000 people, injuries to 13,000, internal displacement of more than one million and forced migration of 400,000 to neighbouring regions.
It highlighted the extensive destruction of Lebanon’s infrastructure and essential facilities.
The Arab Group expressed deep concern over the impact of this aggression on the ILO's activities in Lebanon given the catastrophic conditions it has created for workers and employers and the long-term economic harm.
Reconstruction costs are estimated to exceed $25 billion.
The group also condemned Israeli attacks on international organisations and United Nations Interim Forces in Lebanon (UNIFIL), urging the international community to take firm action.
It commended ILO efforts to alleviate the suffering of the Lebanese people by enhancing social protection and rehabilitating infrastructure.
Ambassador Al Khanjari called on the ILO Director General to present a future report on the implementation of the emergency plan and to assess the long-term effects of the aggression.
The Arab Group also urged member states to support these efforts and provide the necessary financial resources.