of Civil Service needs to be amended, explicitly providing that the GPC adopt merit-based, equitable and non-discriminatory processes of appointment and promotion. These will be inclusive of all categories of civil servants, including higher category employees. The GPC needs to comply with legal and administrative norms in relation to access to civil service, promotion, evaluation, dismissal, or removal from public office. 2.2 The variable in the status of economic, social and cultural rights 2.2.1 Right to work Unemployment rates among persons participating in the labour force remained high. The number of the unemployed was 442,800 in 2018, including 295,700 in the Gaza Strip and 150,100 in the West Bank. The unemployment rate continued to show a growing gap between the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Marking a rise of 11.7 percent compared to Q3 2017, the unemployment rate in the Gaza Strip was 54.9 percent compared to 17.3 percent in the West Bank. Male-female labour force participation gap continued to be significant. While males accounted for 72.5 percent, women’s participation represented 20.7 percent of the total labour force. A periodic review did not address the national minimum wage of NIS 1,450, provided for by the 2012 Council of Ministers’ Decision on Adoption of the National Minimum Wage. Additionally, according to the ICHR monitoring, 12 incidents of death, including seven in the West Bank and five in the Gaza Strip, occurred in workplaces. 2018 also saw a rise in death incidents among children in establishments. Five children died in workplaces, representing 5 percent of all 14 deaths among children since 2014. In response to ICHR correspondence on the application of occupational safety and health standards, the MoL stated that it had closed down 89 worksites and establishments. Another eleven establishments were partially closed. The MoL also suspended the operation of four machines until such time the work environment in relevant establishments is adjusted and aligned with legal requirements. To ensure the right to work, the ICHR is of the view that the MoL should adopt an urgent plan to confront soaring unemployment, particularly in the Gaza Strip. Public budget line items should be increased to ensure the provision of employment programmes commensurate with the economic needs and environment of the Gaza Strip. The MoL needs to apply and oversee application of the national minimum wage. It will develop monitoring and control mechanisms which avoid current impediments. According to the provisions of the Council of Ministers’ Decision on the Minimum Wage, the 24 The Status of Human Rights in Palestine