Result achieved
Outcome summary
Subsequent to the ratification of the ILO Social Security (Minimum Standards) Convention, 1952 (No, 102), the Parliament of Iraq has successfully passed the new Social Security Law for Private Sector Workers on 17 May 2023, which is aligned with Convent...
Outcome achieved
Subsequent to the ratification of the ILO Social Security (Minimum Standards) Convention, 1952 (No, 102), the Parliament of Iraq has successfully passed the new Social Security Law for Private Sector Workers on 17 May 2023, which is aligned with Convention 102. This significant achievement ushers in broad improvements to the social security system for workers in the private sector across federal Iraq, including expanding legal coverage to approximately 1.9 million self-employed workers who are not eligible to participate on a voluntary basis and introducing unemployment and maternity benefits for the first time. The Kurdistan Region of Iraq has also finalized drafting Social Security Law for Private Sector Worker, which is expected to pass soon.
ILO's contribution to the outcome
The transformative social protection reforms in the country were realized through 18 months of consultative meetings, over 50 roundtable discussions and technical support provided by the ILO that served as a platform for convening diverse perspectives and ensuring the active participation of relevant stakeholders. By engaging government officials, members of parliament, workers, employers, civil society, and the scientific and thought community in Iraq, the ILO fostered an inclusive, comprehensive and consultative approach. This process was guided by concrete evidence and policy-oriented research (namely, a legal assessment and actuarial valuation), which elevated the importance of social protection in the policy agenda, generated momentum for reform, and stimulated crucial discussions on the direction of such reforms.
SDG
Goals
- End poverty in all its forms everywhere
- Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all