Tunis, November 29, 2023
Amid scenes of destruction and civilian casualties in the Gaza Strip and under the shadow of arrests and settler attacks in the West Bank, the world commemorates today, November 29, the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People—a symbolic occasion where the international community reaffirms its recognition of the justice of the Palestinian cause and the Palestinian people’s right to independence and sovereignty over their land, by international legitimacy.
This year, the occasion coincides with an all-out war waged by the occupation forces against the Gaza Strip, resulting in: Unprecedented destruction affecting homes, buildings, hospitals, and schools. Thousands of casualties, the majority being women and children. The displacement of hundreds of thousands from northern to southern Gaza. The international community’s failure to uphold the basic rights of the Palestinian people, as an occupied people, casts doubt on international legitimacy and its enforcement, paving the way for further violations against colonized peoples.
The Palestinian people have received support and solidarity from the world’s peoples and progressive forces, particularly trade unions, which have played a significant role through: Demonstrations and protest actions, which have exerted international pressure. And major contributions to securing a truce and prisoner exchanges. This success necessitates further popular and civil pressure to achieve: A permanent cessation of the war on Gaza, an end to settler attacks in the West Bank, and an international investigation into violations of international humanitarian law, as referenced in the UN Secretary-General’s statement on October 24, 2023.
In addition to crimes in Gaza and the West Bank, Palestinian workers across the occupied territories have faced: Physical and psychological assaults, and severe violations of their right to work safely.
These practices are unacceptable and condemned, as the right to work in a safe environment is a universal right for all workers, regardless of affiliation, beliefs, nationality, or religion.
Based on its firm principles, the Arab Trade Union Confederation reaffirms: Its full solidarity with the Palestinian people in the face of aggression and occupation. And call for trade unions worldwide to continue applying pressure to achieve lasting peace based on international legitimacy. As well as the full empowerment of the Palestinian people to exercise their rights and establish sovereignty over their independent state with Jerusalem as its capital.
The Arab Trade Union Confederation calls for the swift implementation of special programs to rebuild the Gaza Strip, particularly Schools, hospitals, and damaged workplaces. The allocation of substantial aid to address the severe shortage of essential supplies. The preparation of a special budget to support workers affected by the war and the total lockdown in Gaza.
Arab and International Trade Union Solidarity
Full solidarity with the people and workers of Palestine… For an independent Palestinian state with full rights.
Executive Secretary
Hind Benammar
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