Labour minister stresses need to empower Palestinian institutions to protect the rights of workers
He also pointed out that key conference topics, especially the draft programme and budget for 2026-2027, represent important steps towards strengthening the ILO's capacity to carry out its strategic goals. These include supporting social dialogue, advancing decent work, and addressing labour market challenges in developing countries. Reaffirming Qatar's strong support, the Minister of Labour also spoke in favour of elevating the status of the State of Palestine in international organisations.
He emphasised the importance of empowering Palestinian institutions to protect the rights of Palestinian workers amid ongoing challenges caused by the occupation.
He warmly welcomed the decision to grant Palestine 'Non-Member Observer State' status at the ILO. He described this as a clear endorsement of the organisation's commitment to justice and legitimacy, as well as recognition of the fundamental rights of the Palestinian people, including their right to self-determination and dignified existence. Among the key issues under discussion are the Director-General's report, titled 'Jobs, Rights and Growth,' and a report on the situation of workers in the occupied Arab territories.
The conference agenda also covers topics such as protection against biological hazards in the workplace and decent work in the platform economy, with the first-ever discussion on setting standards. Additionally, the conference explores innovative approaches to addressing the informal economy and encouraging formal employment. Held annually in Geneva, the International Labour Conference, often called the global parliament of labour, sets the ILO's public policies, including conventions and recommendations. It also makes key decisions on the organisation's policies, work programme, budget, and elects members to its governing body.
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Qatar Tribune
11 hours ago
- Qatar Tribune
Egypt deports more activists seeking to march to Gaza border
dpa Cairo Egyptian authorities have continued to send home foreign activists, who are trying to march to Egypt's border with the Gaza Strip in a show of solidarity with the Palestinian enclave, sources at Cairo airport said on Saturday. Dozens of activists of different nationalities were prevented from entering Egypt for violating the country's entry procedures and were deported on the same planes that had earlier brought them to Cairo, the sources said on the condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the issue. The aircraft were not granted permission to take off until the deportation procedures were completed, a measure that caused several flights to be delayed by 20-40 minutes, according to the sources. Participants in the self-styled 'Global March to Gaza' had originally planned to travel from Cairo to the Egyptian city of Al Arish in Sinai, where they were to walk for about 50 kilometres to Rafah on the border with Gaza. The activists also planned to protest at the Rafah border crossing for several days starting on Sunday. Protests are heavily restricted in Egypt. Organizers said many participants had been detained, harassed, physically harmed and deported. Hundreds of activists were detained on Friday in the Egyptian city of Ismailia near the Suez Canal and had their passports confiscated, a security source said. Carola Rackete, a lawmaker in the European Parliament from Germany's The Left party, posted a video on Instagram on Friday in which she said she was turned away at one of the checkpoints. She and the other activists were purportedly loaded by force onto buses by security forces and sent back to Cairo. There was massive police violence, Rackete said in a second video posted Saturday. There was no official Egyptian comment. In recent days, dozens of pro-Gaza activists have been arrested and deported by Egyptian authorities, organizers and sources in Cairo said. Earlier in the week, Egypt required the participants in the campaign to obtain prior entry visas or permits. The activists say they want to draw attention to the worsening humanitarian situation in the populous enclave.
Qatar Tribune
2 days ago
- Qatar Tribune
Qatar, France pledge to expand ties
Tribune News Network Paris Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani and the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of the French Republic HE Jean-Noël Barrot co-chaired the third annual Qatar-France Strategic Dialogue in Paris on Thursday Qatar and France welcomed the holding of their third Annual Strategic Dialogue and reviewed the important progress made since the State Visit of His Highness the Amir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to France in February 2024,which resulted in new cooperation initiatives in security, defence, economy, trade, investment and education. Both countries affirmed the strength of their bilateral relations and pledged to further develop it by expanding strategic partnership on key files. Both ministers reaffirmed the commitment of Qatar and France to upholding a rules-based international order and international law, the promotion of peace, stability and prosperity in the Middle East, and close cooperation in relation to regional and global crises. On Palestine-Israel, the PM and the French minister called for a ceasefire, the release of all remaining hostages and a long-term political solution that will offer the best hope for the victims of th cisonflict on all sides and achieving a pathway to a two-state solution. The Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs expressed France's deep appreciation for Qatar's mediation efforts, including those to secure an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. Both ministers called for full, unhindered humanitarian access allowing aid for the Palestinian population to enter Gaza. They further stated that politicising of humanitarian assistance, threats of forced displacement, or Israel's plans to remain in Gaza after the war are unacceptable. The two ministers stated that the Israeli government's restrictions of essential humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian population of Gaza are totally deplorable and breach International Humanitarian further highlighted that Israel is duty-bound to meet all its obligations to ensure immediately a massive and unhindered flow of aid to Gaza – this includes engaging with the UN to ensure aid delivery is in line with humanitarian principles. Both ministers reiterated their opposition to any forced displacement of Gaza's Palestinian population, which would be a serious violation of international law and a major destabilizing factor for the entire region. Qatar welcomes the endorsement by France of the Gaza Reconstruction plan formulated by the League of Arab States in March as a serious, credible basis for immediately meeting reconstruction, governance and security needs in the aftermath of the war in Gaza. It guarantees the respect of international law and maintains Gaza's future within the framework of a future Palestinian State. The Prime Minister welcomed the French-Saudi jointly chaired international meeting on June 18 for the implementation of a two-state solution. Both Ministers declared such efforts as the only way to bring durable peace and security to Israelis and Palestinians while ensuring the stability of the wider region. They stressed that the High-Level International Conference on the peaceful resolution of the question of Palestine and the implementation of the two-State solution, decided by UNGA resolution A/RES/79/81, would contribute to this goal by designing a credible roadmap for the implementation of this solution in which the two countries would be able to live side-by-side in peace within their internationally recognized borders. Both ministers stressed that the future Palestinian state would have sole responsibility for rule of law, including policing primacy. On Syria, the PM and the French minister acknowledged the historic transition process underway in Syria. They emphasised the importance of an inclusive political dispensation that protects the rights of all irrespective of ethnicity, sect, religion or gender. They reiterated their support for the reconstruction of a new Syria - free, stable, sovereign, that respects all components of society. They agreed that stability and security in Syria is paramount for all its citizens as well as the surrounding region. To that end both Ministers committed to work together wherever possible to provide humanitarian assistance, as well as support economic development, and long-term reconstruction. They welcomed the lifting of international sanctions on Syria's economy and encouraged foreign investments in the country. Qatar welcomed French support for the recent EU decision to lift economic sanctions on Syria and the recent meeting between President Macron and Syria's interim President Ahmad Al Sharaa. On Lebanon, Qatar welcomed the hosting by France of the International Conference in Support of Lebanon's People and Sovereignty in October 2024. Progress to political and economic reform in Lebanon is welcomed by both countries. Qatar and France support the territorial integrity and sovereign rights of the Lebanese people, both Ministers called on all parties to honour the commitments made under the ceasefire reached in November 2024. To this end they called for a full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanon, the complete deployment of the Lebanese Armed Forces and their ongoing support to ensure security and achieve State monopoly on arms, assisted by UNIFIL and the supervision mechanism of the November 2024 ceasefire agreement, of which France alongside the US participates in. They emphasized their support to the process of change that has begun under the new Lebanese government, aimed at putting Lebanon back on the path of reconstruction, recovery and stability. They expressed their continuing support to the Lebanese Armed Forces and to the UN interim force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) whose action is essential to guarantee the stability of South Lebanon. On Iran, both ministers reaffirmed Qatar and France's support for a diplomatic solution leading to an agreement that addresses and resolves all international concerns related to Iran's nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief, in order to preserve the non-proliferation global architecture as well as stability and de-escalation in the Gulf region. They reiterated their support to the ongoing talks between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States of also called on Iran to fully and effectively cooperate with the legitimate requests and work of the International Atomic Energy Agency. On Rwanda and eastern DRC, the PM and the French minister emphasised their shared commitment to peace, stability and security in the Great Lakes region. France commended Qatar's mediation efforts between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo and between Congolese authorities and AFC/M23. They stressed the need for parties to continue working towards the conclusion of a ceasefire, as called upon by United Nations Security Council Resolution 2773 (2025). Following its participation, along with the U.S., DRC, Rwanda and Togo, to the Doha meeting on April 30, France recalled its continued support to Qatar's peace efforts. On Sudan, both ministers resolved to further work together to address the devastating conflict in Sudan. Qatar and France recalled the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2736 (2024) demanding that the Rapid Support Forces halt the siege of El Fasher and calling for an immediate de-escalation. They reaffirmed their support to the unity of the country and called on the warring parties to immediately cease hostilities, abide by their obligations under international humanitarian law, protect civilians, and guarantee full, safe and unhindered humanitarian access. On economy, trade and investments, Qatar and France emphasized the importance of their growing economic, trade and investment partnership, with a total trade of more than €1.3 billion in 2024. The Ministers highlighted that bilateral trade makes a significant contribution to supporting jobs, innovation, and economic development in both countries. The two ministers reviewed progress on Qatar's 2024 landmark engagement to invest 10 billion euros into key sectors of the French economy. Qatar's investment will cover mutually beneficial sectors ranging from food security, digital economy, AI and IT, semiconductors, energy transition, space, Intellectual Property, health, tourism and hospitality and culture. They also welcomed the forthcoming Qatar-France Business Forum as an opportunity for mutual trade growth and investment. They discussed ways to further strengthen their investment partnership and underlined their willingness to facilitate cooperation between the Qatari and French private sectors. They also explored areas of common interest, such as fiscal policy, sustainable finance and public-private partnerships (PPPs). Qatar's innovative investment in France's semiconductor industry highlights its role in key technology subsectors, including supply chain developments that are also propelling digital and green transformations across vital industries such as AI, mobility, and consumer technology. Both sides discussed ways to further develop their trade and investment partnership, through a Roadmap focused on strategic areas in alignment with the framework of the economic diversification goals stated by Qatar's National Vision 2030 and in accordance with the economic plan 'France 2030.' The French minister praised Qatar's ongoing commitment to ensure continued and reliable supplies of energy to Europe, including France and thus contributing to the country's energy security. Qatar and France reaffirmed the importance of the defence and security as a foundation stone of their was illustrated by the increase in official-level visits in the last 12 months, and the deepening coordination on an operational level. The ministers welcomed the implementation of joint defence operational partnership including joint planning, training and military exercises, most recently the Pegase, Al Salam, Al Koot exercises, as well as joint projects in defence industries and innovation and ongoing defence acquisitions including cooperation through both nations' air forces, facilitated by the common possession of Rafale combat aircrafts. They praised the strategic convergences between Qatar and France, which contribute to enhancing bilateral interactions between the two military institutions. Qatar and France are keen to explore ways to develop new synergies between their armed forces for future defence capabilities. They also explored ways to build on existing links and expand activities on common strategic interests particularly as they contribute to de-escalation and security in the Gulf and the Red Sea. Both Ministers welcomed the robust and long-lasting partnership between their respective security forces, including cooperation and important knowledge-sharing on Mega Sports Events, Crisis Management and Major Event Management, Air and Aviation Security, Cybersecurity and Digital Investigations, and mutual professionalization and capacity-building. They commended the friendship and trust between the French Gendarmerie and the Qatari Lekhwiya celebrating in 2025 the 20th anniversary of their cooperation. They also welcomed the development of a strategic partnership between the French and Qatari national police forces and the establishment of a High Police Committee. They also emphasised building on this cooperation. Both Ministers emphasised that the fight against terrorism remains a key bilateral realm for cooperation. They said that such cooperation is crucial in prevention and countering terrorism and ensuring the safety of their citizens. These efforts reflect the need for a coordinated approach to deal with an ever-evolving set of terrorist threats that transcend national borders. They also agreed to continue their strong partnership in cybersecurity and in combating terrorism, countering violent extremism and illicit financial flows. On humanitarian and international development cooperation, both ministers affirmed the continuing success of programmatic bilateral cooperation and coordination between their respective implementing agencies including QFFD, EAA, Silatech and AFD. Regarding development, both Ministers welcomed the renewal of their bilateral cooperation in this field, building on the signing of two major agreements between the French Development Agency (AFD) and the Qatar Fund for Development, the Education Above All (EAA) foundation and Silatech in February 2024. They expressed their appreciation concerning the first cooperation between AFD and QFFD for an ambitious project to renovate and expand Saint Joseph's Hospital in East Jerusalem. They welcomed that QFFD and the AFD Group (AFD, Proparco and Expertise France) renewed their commitment to cofinance development projects and agreed to raise the cofinancing target from $50 million to $100 million for the duration of the MoU. In the short term, QFFD and the AFD Group commit to operationalizing the partnership in the following countries where there are pressing needs and discussions have already started on joint priorities: Lebanon, Palestine and Syria. They welcomed that QFFD and AFD Group will also, in the medium term, work on joint global advocacy activities and expand the partnership to innovative finance. Both ministers praised the ongoing discussions between the Crisis and Support Centre of the French ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs and the Qatar Fund for Development to explore possible new areas of dialogue and joint funding, including in the Middle East, Africa and Asia as well as in the field of humanitarian logistics. Both ministers lauded the strong cooperation in the fields of education, health and sports. On education the Ministers addressed the growing partnership in the field of education, in particular knowledge sharing and research agreements between Qatari and French Institutions of Higher Education (HEI), including Sciences Po and Doha Institute. Cooperation on research and innovation has been boosted by the strong collaboration between Qatar Research Development and Innovation Council (QRDI) and French HEI's including Centre national de la recherche scientifique (CNRS), Commissariat à l'énergie atomique et aux energies alternatives (CEA), Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale (INSERM) and HEC Paris. Under the Qatar Open Innovation Scheme French companies have also received QRDI awards and are working in collaboration with Qatar-based SME's and institutions to make strides in Agricultural Sciences and Medical Healthcare.
Qatar Tribune
2 days ago
- Qatar Tribune
UK economy contracts 0.3% in April as tariffs, tax hike kick in
Agencies Britain's economy contracted more than expected in April – the first month of the Labour government's business tax hike and U.S. President Donald Trump's reciprocal tariffs onslaught, which also led to a record drop in exports to the U.S., official data showed Thursday. Gross domestic product (GDP) declined 0.3% in the month, compared to 0.2% growth in March, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said in a statement. That falls below the 0.1% contraction expected by economists. Exports of British goods to the U.S. fell by a record 2 billion pounds ($2.7 billion) in the same month, the ONS revealed, following the introduction of Trump's tariffs. The data comes one day after Prime Minister Keir Starmer's Labour government laid out its priorities for the coming years, hoping that changes to day-to-day spending amounts and longer-term investment will spur Britain's sluggish economy. Finance chief Rachel Reeves injected the ailing National Health Service (NHS) with billions of pounds and pumped funds into defense and housing, while making cuts to other departments. Reeves said Thursday's figures were 'clearly disappointing' but insisted that her spending plans would deliver growth for Britain. Paul Dales, chief U.K. economist at research group Capital Economics, noted that the economy faced 'subdued overseas demand and domestic businesses cutting back on spending to compensate for the rise in costs driven by April's increase in taxes.' Following Labour's return to power last July, following years of Conservative rule, Reeves announced a tax rise for U.K. businesses, which entered force in April. Official data this week showed that the hike had contributed to a small rise in Britain's unemployment rate and a slowdown in growth in average economy had expanded by 0.7% in the first three months of the year. 'With the economy now weakening, we can expect to see concerns around further tax rises increase as we near the Autumn Budget – which is likely to weigh on growth even more,' said Lindsay James, investment strategist at Quilter. The latest data also follows the introduction of a baseline 10% tariff imposed on the U.K. and other countries by Trump at the start of April. The U.K. and U.S. have since struck a trade agreement that cuts tariffs on British cars and scraps them on steel and in return, has agreed to open up its markets to U.S. beef and other American farm the U.K. remains subject to a 10% tariff on most goods exported to the U.S. Decreases in exports to the U.S. in April were seen 'across most types of goods, following the recent introduction of tariffs,' said ONS director of economic statistics, Liz McKeown.
