Iraq has become the 64th member State to have ratified ILO Convention on social protection. (Picture: ILO. Ahmed Jasim Al-Asadi, The Minister of Labour and Social Affairs of the Republic of Iraq and Gilbert F. Houngbo, Director-General of the ILO)
Iraq has become the 64th member State to have ratified ILO Convention on social protection and the 102nd member State to have ratified the maritime labour convention MLC, 2006.
“The ratification of Convention No. 102 by Iraq emphasizes its commitment to enshrining social security as an inherent right and to reforming national legislation and regulations to strengthen legal protection and safeguards for workers and improve the business environment,” said Ahmed Jasim Al-Asadi, The Minister of Labour and Social Affairs of the Republic of Iraq.
According to the Iraq Labour force survey, one in four workers in Iraq works in construction or agriculture – already considered among the most hazardous sectors in the world.
By ratifying this key Convention No. 102, Iraq recognizes the central importance of this instrument for the implementation of comprehensive social security systems based on internationally agreed principles and minimum levels of protection.
“I welcome the ratification of the MLC, 2006 which will contribute to improving the regulatory framework of the maritime sector in Iraq and clearly demonstrates the Government’s commitment towards enhancing decent working and living conditions for seafarers both at the national and regional levels,” said Gilbert F. Houngbo, Director-General of the ILO.