Representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran at the meeting of the Governing Body of the International Labor Organization (ILO) in Geneva while appreciating the organization's efforts in addressing the emergency situation in Lebanon has emphasized the need to increase humanitarian aid, support the Lebanese economy, and strengthen that country's basic infrastructure.
Mehdi Aliabadi, Deputy Permanent Representative of Iran to the United Nations in Geneva, expressed deep concern over the repeated ceasefire violations and humanitarian crisis in Lebanon on Thursday (March 14, 2025) during the 353rd meeting of the organization's board of directors, emphasizing the need for broad support for the country.
In this meeting, he explained the devastating effects of the war on the Lebanese economy, saying, "According to the statistics provided, about 689,000 people in the country have lost their jobs or are facing a serious risk of unemployment. Key sectors of the economy, including agriculture, construction, manufacturing, transportation, and tourism, have been severely affected, and small and medium-sized businesses, which constitute 90 percent of Lebanon's economic institutions, have suffered the most from the recent crisis."
Aliabadi appreciated the ILO's efforts in social protection for workers, providing emergency cash assistance, preserving jobs, and securing the livelihoods of vulnerable groups, and pointed to the organization's initiatives in rebuilding public infrastructure, installing solar panels, and supporting farmers and small and medium-sized enterprises.