All resources: Iraq

Video

Working the land, shaping new lives: Refugees and host communities join forces in Iraq

In Iraq, refugees and host community members work together to improve irrigation and farmland through the ILO’s Employment-Intensive Investment Programme (EIIP).

Video interview

Progress and challenges in Iraq’s labour market: A conversation with Ruba Jaradat

ILO Regional Director for Arab States discusses key developments and persistent barriers to decent work in Iraq, with a focus on women’s economic participation.

Video

Five years of progress: ILO’s Impact on Iraq’s Labour Market (2020–2024)

Since establishing its office in Baghdad in 2020, the ILO has supported job creation, strengthened labour governance, advanced social protection, and promoted inclusive recovery through the Decent Work Country Programme.

Strengthening the Financial Sector's Capacity to Support Green Growth and Decent Jobs in Iraq

The ILO, with support from Italy and in partnership with ITCILO and CBI, Delivers Green Finance Training to Promote Inclusive, Sustainable Employment Opportunities

Policy Brief

Facilitating transition between social assistance and social insurance in the Arab Region: Conceptual framework and review of global good...

The Arab Region faces dual challenges: high labour informality (51%) and low social protection coverage (30–36%), exacerbating vulnerabilities. This study explores policy mechanisms to integrate social assistance and insurance systems, addressing...

Five years of promoting decent work in Iraq: A journey of resilience, partnership and progress

ILO Country Coordinator for Iraq Maha Kattaa reflects of five years of ILO work to strengthen employment, social protection and economic opportunities for towards a sustainable future in Iraq.

ILO strengthens development of agricultural organizations and cooperatives in Kurdistan and Federal Iraq

From February 26 to 28, 2025 the ILO worked on strengthening agriculture and cooperative development in Kurdistan and Federal Iraq by enhancing governance, business planning, and economic sustainability.

Iraqi Federation of Industries takes steps to strengthen private sector representation with ILO Support

Building Entrepreneurial Skills to Support MSMEs and Job Creation in Iraq

The International Labour Organization (ILO) is strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Iraq by providing training to support micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). Through the "Start and Improve Your Business (SIYB)" program,...

Facilitating transition between social assistance and social insurance

Conceptual framework and review of global good practices for countries in the Arab Region

Migration, Asylum, and Humanitarian Challenges: Between International Responsibility and National Commitments

"Beit Al-Hikma" in Baghdad, in collaboration with the ILO and other academic institutions, organized an international conference focused on finding sustainable solutions and community policies to govern migration and asylum issues.

BEIT project set to drive decent work and affordable housing in Iraq

The project’s first Steering Committee meeting reviewed initial progress and planned 2025 activities. The initiative promotes decent work and affordable housing in Iraq, focusing on equitable access and support for marginalized communities, with...

ILO and Ministry of Youth and Sport Launch Job Search Club National Programme in Iraq

The programme will work to empower youth with essential job search and employability skills.

News

First-of-Its-kind youth and women’s centre opens in Mosul, empowering communities and promoting inclusion

The centre is a collaboration between the ILO, Iraq’s Ministry of Youth and Sports, UNICEF, and the World Bank, offering skills training, sports, and inclusive opportunities for youth and women in Mosul.

Transforming Employment in Kurdistan

ILO and MoLSA Host Job Fair and Introduce Job-Matching Platform

The initiative, funded by the EU, aims to make employment opportunities more accessible and to support employers in finding qualified local talent efficiently.

Iraq, ILO and partners launch the National Social Security Awareness Campaign

Iraq’s Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs and the ILO, in cooperation with the European Union, UNICEF and the World Food Programme, launch a national bloc for awareness of social security in Iraq.

National Conference Paves Pathways to Formalizing Iraq's Informal Economy

In collaboration with the Government of Iraq and with funding by the EU, the conference brought together national and international stakeholders to foster a unified approach to formalizing the country’s economy.

Second phase of the PROSPECTS partnership launches in Iraq

ILO, Iraq’s Ministry of Planning and the national partners conclude a consultative workshop on promoting decent work in public works...

This workshop was held under the "Building Inclusive and Just Transition" (BEIT) project,” funded by the European Union and aimed at stimulating decent work opportunities for youth and addressing the urgent need for affordable housing in Iraq.

Reflections on Experiences of the International Labour Organization: Towards Promoting Decent Employment for Public Works Programmes in Iraq

Mito Tsukamoto, Branch Chief of Employment Investment at the ILO, reflects on lessons, experiences, strategic focus areas and challenges in developing innovative public works programmes after attending a workshop on Promoting Decent Work in Public...