Iran Has Been Subject to Unjust Sanctions for Years

Tehran (IRNA) – The Secretary General of Iran’s High Council of Employers’ Associations stated that Iran has been subjected to unjust sanctions for many years and, in addition to ongoing threats, is now under attack by adversaries that neither share a border with Iran nor are neighboring countries.

According to Iran’s Ministry of Cooperatives, Labour and Social Welfare, Davoud Adineh spoke at the 114th Session of the International Labour Conference (ILC), Geneva 2026. He thanked the conference president, members of the bureau, and the Director-General of the International Labour Organization (ILO) for providing an opportunity to discuss one of the most important issues of our time: artificial intelligence.

He emphasized that AI has the potential to play a decisive role in achieving objectives related to decent work.

Adineh described artificial intelligence as a driver of increased economic productivity and said that it can contribute to the advancement of decent work and sustainable employment. He noted that AI, as one of the most influential technologies of the century, is rapidly entering all aspects of life and can improve working conditions by enhancing workplace safety and health, reducing human error, and preventing occupational accidents.

He added that AI can also foster economic growth and sustainable job creation through increased productivity, innovation, and value creation.

The Iranian employers’ representative stated that the technology can create employment opportunities for groups that previously had limited access to the labor market, including people with disabilities, residents of remote areas, and vulnerable populations.

According to him, the responsible and proper use of AI can strengthen social dialogue, increase transparency, and promote fundamental labor rights.

Addressing the challenges associated with the expansion of AI, Adineh referred to concerns about job displacement caused by automation, widening social and economic inequalities, the need to protect privacy and data security, and the importance of transparency in AI-based decision-making. He stressed that if AI is employed on the basis of ethical principles, social justice, and human dignity, it can become an effective tool for improving quality of life and advancing human development.

Recalling remarks he made at last year's conference, Adineh referred to reports by the World Economic Forum, stating that these reports suggest AI is expected to fundamentally transform the structure of the global labor market in the coming decades.

He emphasized the need for governments, employers, and workers to prepare for this major transformation through cooperation and continuous dialogue.

Adineh also expressed appreciation for the ILO Director-General’s efforts to protect fundamental principles and rights at work, support social protection for all forms of employment, and strengthen social dialogue in response to technological change.

Referring to the situation in Iran, he stated:

"Iran has been subjected to unjust sanctions for many years and, alongside these threats, is now under attack by enemies that neither border Iran nor are neighboring countries."

He added:

"Our country has been attacked by states that we have neither attacked nor done anything that would justify such attacks in their minds."

Condemning the bombing of residential, industrial, production, and service facilities, Adineh described such actions as completely unacceptable and contrary to humanitarian principles and international law. He stressed that these attacks have had negative—and in some cases dangerous—effects not only on the country's economic infrastructure but also on the realization of decent work, job security, and the livelihoods of millions of workers.

He called on the ILO to use its capacities and international standing to pay special attention to supporting the labor community and safeguarding production and employment environments, and to play an effective and constructive role in this regard.

According to Adineh, special consideration should be given to reactivating the ILO Representative Office in Iran, and an expert delegation should be sent to Iran to directly assess current conditions, damages, and challenges.

He also reiterated a proposal previously raised at the 112th and 113th ILO Conferences, suggesting that June 1 be designated as “World Employers’ Day.” He argued that such a designation could strengthen solidarity, interaction, and cooperation among employers worldwide and enhance their role in economic and social development.

He concluded:

"History will remember positively every action taken in the service of cooperation, peace, development, justice, and human dignity."

https://www.irna.ir/news/86173280/نماینده-کارفرمایان-در-اجلاس-ژنو-