Lebanese Labor Minister Mohammad Haidar warned that the challenges facing the Lebanese people now go far beyond economic losses, striking at core human rights including the right to work, security, stability, and a dignified life.
Addressing the International Labor Conference in Geneva, Minister Haidar outlined the toll of ongoing Israeli attacks on Lebanon’s labor sector and broader economy, stressing that the country is confronting not only a severe socio-economic crisis but also the consequences of sustained aggression targeting its people and development foundations.
He revealed that more than 1,700 economic establishments have been partially damaged, while over 500 facilities were completely destroyed. The trade sector, along with industrial and production facilities and dozens of small and medium-sized enterprises, has been among the hardest hit.
According to the Lebanese minister, the destruction has disrupted the livelihoods of thousands of workers and deprived countless families of their primary sources of income. He added that the human toll remains the most severe, with more than 3,000 people killed and over 9,000 wounded, including workers, employees, business owners, and their families.
He noted that most victims belong to the productive age groups, dealing a major blow to Lebanon’s workforce and the human capital essential for recovery and reconstruction.
The Israeli attacks have targeted not only infrastructure and economic activity but also the social fabric, threatening to erase livelihoods and collective memory, Minister Haidar stated.
Despite the crisis, he affirmed that the Lebanese state continues efforts to strengthen social protection and reform labor policies, including regulating foreign labor, combating irregular employment, and modernizing legislation.
The Lebanese minister called on the international community to move beyond statements and take concrete steps to protect civilians, workers, and economic institutions, urging an end to Israeli attacks, a Israeli withdrawal, the return of detainees, and support for reconstruction.
Minister Haidar concluded that Lebanon remains committed to recovery, stressing that the resilience of its people will prevail over destruction and that the right to life and work will endure.
The International Labor Organization (ILO) holds its 114th annual International Labor Conference in Geneva from 1–12 June 2026.
The Conference sets the international labor standards and the broad policies of the ILO. It meets annually in Geneva. Often called an international parliament of labor, the Conference is also a forum for discussion of key social and labor questions.
Israeli Diplomat Speech Disrupted
On Wednesday, a protest against a representative of the Israeli regime in the Geneva conference interrupted his speech
Waleed Ghadban was unable to complete his speech due to repeated protests by those present in support of Palestine.
Ministers from several countries, trade union representatives, workers and employers were banging on the tables in protest during Ghadban’s speech.
The representative of the #Israeli regime was unable to deliver his remarks at the International Labour Conference (#ILC2026) due to protests from numerous delegations.
— IRAN in Geneva (@PMIRAN_GENEVA) June 4, 2026
The reaction was more than a protest against a speech; it was a reflection of a growing global conscience.… pic.twitter.com/D1LYGBp8R2
Some participants were displaying Palestinian flags, but received a warning from the security forces demanding that they remove the flags.
Also, some of those present in the hall had scarves with the inscription “Free Palestine”.
Source: Al-Manar English Website