Belize Backs Palestine’s ILO Observer Status and Key Labor Reforms

Belize gathered with other nations in Geneva, Switzerland, and joined a majority, voting in favor of Palestine gaining a non-member observer status in the International Labour Organization (ILO).  As a result, at the ILO Conference last week, passed a resolution formally recognizing Palestine as a non-member observer state.  The decision was announced as a major step forward for Palestinian rights and representation in the multilateral system.  Belize was represented by a delegation led by Florencio Marin Jr., Minister of Rural Transformation, Community Development, Labour and Local Government.  After a 16-year hiatus from in-person attendance, Belize rejoined the 113th International Labour Conference (ILC) which ran from June 2 through to the 13th.  The ILC, the highest decision-making body of the International Labour Organization (ILO), brought together delegates from all 187 member states, alongside representatives from employer and worker organizations. The conference served as a crucial forum for deliberating and adopting new conventions, recommendations, and resolutions that will shape the future of work globally.  Minister Marin was accompanied by his Chief Executive Officer, Valentino Shal; Labour Commissioner, Rissela Dominguez-Patt; Ella Waight, President of the National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTUCB); and Yorshabell Cattouse, Representative of the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI).  During the conference, Belize supported the initial approval of a draft Convention and Recommendation on Platform Work, advocating for fair classification, transparent algorithms, and access to social protection for gig workers. Belize also endorsed the finalized Convention and Recommendation on biological hazards in the workplace, a vital step toward protecting workers from pandemics, zoonotic threats, and other health risks.  In a key technical move, Belize backed amendments to the ILO’s Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), which will enhance protections for seafarers, including improved access to shore leave, safer working conditions, and measures against harassment. Furthermore, Belize reaffirmed its commitment to ILO Recommendation No. 204, which encourages the formalization of informal work sectors – a significant part of Belize’s economy.  In another round of meetings, Belize cast its vote in favor of the ILO’s Programme and Budget for 2026–27, ensuring continued technical assistance for its national Decent Work Country Programme.