Lebanon Calls for Increased International Support at Geneva Labor Conference

Lebanon’s Minister of Labor, Mohammad Haidar, confronted the international community with its responsibilities, urging it to take concrete actions to support Lebanon and stop the ongoing Israeli assaults. He emphasized that the challenges faced by the Lebanese people go beyond mere numbers and material losses, affecting fundamental human rights such as employment, security, stability, and dignified living.

Addressing the International Labor Conference in Geneva on behalf of Lebanon, Haidar highlighted the severe consequences of Israeli aggression on Lebanon. He revealed the extent of damage inflicted on the labor sector and the national economy, stressing the urgent need to enhance international support to help Lebanon confront its current challenges. He pointed out that Lebanon is not only grappling with economic and social crises but is also enduring the repercussions of continuous Israeli attacks that have caused significant harm to people, the economy, and the foundations of development and stability.

Haidar disclosed that Israeli attacks partially affected more than 1,700 economic establishments, with over 500 facilities completely destroyed. He noted that the trade sector was among the hardest hit, alongside industrial and productive institutions, as well as dozens of small and medium enterprises that form the backbone of Lebanon’s economy. These assaults have disrupted the work of thousands of employees and directly damaged the income sources of thousands of Lebanese families. The human toll remains the most severe, with over 3,000 fatalities and more than 9,000 wounded, including workers, employees, business owners, and their family members.

He underscored that the majority of victims belonged to the productive age groups capable of working, inflicting serious damage on Lebanon’s workforce and the human capital essential for development and reconstruction. Haidar stated that Lebanon is facing an unprecedented and severe escalation from Israel, whose actions go beyond targeting people and property to attempting to erase the history, memory, and livelihoods of its people. He affirmed that the Lebanese state has not abandoned its responsibilities despite difficult circumstances, continuing efforts to strengthen social protection and support the National Social Security Fund. This has contributed to improving health and social services and restoring a crucial part of the social safety net.

Haidar also highlighted ongoing initiatives to develop labor market policies, regulate foreign labor, and combat irregular employment. Measures are being taken to protect the rights of domestic workers, alongside completing the process of updating labor legislation, including the enactment of a flexible labor law and the development of a comprehensive project to modernize the Lebanese labor law.

From the platform of the International Labor Conference, Haidar called on the international community to translate its positions into practical steps that protect civilians, workers, and economic institutions, and assist Lebanon in overcoming this difficult phase. He demanded support for Lebanon’s legitimate demands, foremost among them the full Israeli withdrawal, cessation of ongoing attacks, the return of prisoners, and securing necessary aid for reconstruction. He stressed that these demands reflect the Lebanese people's steadfastness in defending their land and national rights.

Haidar urged the International Labour Organization to continue documenting the impact of the attacks on Lebanon’s labor sector, expand cooperation and support programs, and strengthen employment, social protection, and reconstruction projects. These efforts aim to enable Lebanese citizens to remain on their land and restore the cycle of production and development.

He concluded by affirming that despite the pain, losses, and challenges, Lebanon remains committed to its humanitarian and civilizational mission. Its people continue to believe that work is the foundation of recovery and that hope and the will to live are stronger than all forms of destruction.