Discussion of Labor and Refugee Issues of Palestinians in Union Meeting

A delegation from the General Federation of Palestinian Workers’ Unions met with Ambassador Ramiz Dimashqiya to discuss the issues of Palestinian workers in Lebanon and the living challenges they face. The focus was on the difficult economic conditions and their impact on refugees, in addition to the targeting of UNRWA. An official memorandum including labor and humanitarian demands was also submitted.

At the Government Serail, Ambassador Dr. Ramiz Dimashqiya, Head of the Lebanese-Palestinian Dialogue Committee, received a high-level delegation from the General Federation of Palestinian Workers’ Unions – Lebanon Branch, led by the Head of the Federation, Mr. Ghassan Baka’i.

The delegation included Mr. Nasser Miari, Mr. Fouad Othman, Mr. Abdel Karim Al-Ahmad, and Mr. Mahmoud Al-Jazzar.

An official statement issued by the visiting delegation indicated that this visit comes “in the context of presenting the issues of Palestinian workers in Lebanon and as a continuation of the process of communication with the relevant Lebanese official authorities.” The discussions revolved around the deteriorating living conditions suffered by workers and the people of Palestine who were forced to reside in Lebanon since the forced displacement during the Nakba, in light of the continuous economic deterioration that casts its dark shadows on the social and humanitarian reality of the refugees.

The UNRWA file also occupied an important part of the meeting, where the fierce campaign to which the agency is subjected by the American administration and the Israeli authorities was addressed, in addition to the increasing pressure exerted on donor countries in order to reduce their obligations towards Palestinian refugees, which serves political goals that are in the interest of the occupation.

The statement explained that views were exchanged on the expected facilitations in the field of building materials, within mechanisms being prepared in close cooperation with UNRWA. The files of public drivers, fishermen, and the rest of the affected professional sectors were also addressed.

The delegation praised the sincere efforts made by Ambassador Dimashqiya to support the issues of refugees, especially the important decision regarding reducing the cost of the criminal record to be equal to the Lebanese citizen, due to the positive and direct impact of this decision on the people of Palestine residing in Lebanon.

At the conclusion of this fruitful meeting, the Federation delegation submitted an official memorandum to Ambassador Dimashqiya, which included a set of labor, humanitarian, and social demands for Palestinian refugees in Lebanon. The delegation reiterated its rejection of work permits for Palestinians, and the need to deal with the Palestinian refugee based on the human and social rights guaranteed by international law.

The two parties agreed on the importance of keeping channels of communication open and continuous for the benefit of all.