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ICESCR's Article 6: Right to Work
"States recognize the right to work, which includes the right of everyone to the opportunity to gain his living by work which he freely chooses or accepts, and will take appropriate steps to safeguard this right."
Occupation and closure restrict this right. Palestine's economy depends heavily on Israel for jobs, now largely restricted or denied. Gaza's siege and West Bank/East Jerusalem free movement restrictions also greatly impede it. As a result, unemployment and poverty are high.
In 1992, 30% of Palestinians worked in Israel. In 1996, it was 7% while unemployment rose to 32.6%. In 2003, it was 41.3%. In December 1998, about 23% of Palestinians lived in poverty, defined as having incomes of $650 or less annually, starvation wages by any standard. Before the second Intifada and 2007 closure, Gaza depended more heavily than the West Bank on Israel for employment. In December 1995, 36% of Gazans were impoverished. By end of 2003, it was 64%.
West Bank/East Jerusalem Palestinians are also impeded by free movement restrictions. More on that below. Moreover, by controlling borders, Israel can decide what gets in or out, including people, goods and services.
Under siege, Gaza's economy was devastated. Unemployment rose dramatically. From 2007 - 2009, OCHA reported the loss of 120,000 jobs, amounting to 55% of the workforce. Moreover, 95% of Gaza's industry closed or suspended work. The other 5% operates at from 20 - 50% of capacity. Poverty thus rose to 65%, but under the annual $650 guideline, it's much higher.
All areas of Gaza's economy have been affected, including agriculture and fishing, both decimated under Israeli restrictions. Earlier articles explained this in detail. A recent one may be accessed through the following link:
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