Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2019, published 109th ILC session (2021)

Employment Policy Convention, 1964 (No. 122) - Iraq (Ratification: 1970)

The Committee notes that the Government’s report contains no reply to its previous comments. It hopes that the next report will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous comments.

Repetition

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Implementation of an active employment policy. Coordinating employment policy with poverty reduction strategies. In its previous comments, the Committee invited the Government to provide information on the impact of active employment policy measures taken to create jobs and reduce poverty. The Committee notes that the Government’s report does not contain information on this point. The Committee therefore reiterates its request that the Government provide updated information, including statistical information disaggregated by age and sex, on the impact of active employment policy measures taken in terms of job creation and poverty reduction. It also reiterates its request that the Government provide updated information on the impact of measures adopted to promote the integration into the labour market of the unemployed, including women, young persons and persons with disabilities.

Education and training policies. The Committee previously requested the Government to provide information on the manner in which it ensures effective coordination between training programmes and employment, and to provide statistical information on training programmes and on the number of participants obtaining lasting employment once the training is completed. The Committee notes the statistics provided by the Government indicating that the number of training centres in Baghdad and other governorates (except Kurdistan) have increased from 34 to 38 centres, and that 401 training workshops were held at the centres during the reporting period. The Government adds that 71 training curricula have been prepared for computer-based training, and that three programmes are being implemented in the training centres: Know About Business; Business innovation; and Life Skills. Referring to its 2014 comments on the implementation of the Human Resources Development Convention, 1975, (No. 142), the Committee once again requests the Government to provide information in its next report on Convention No. 122 indicating the manner in which it ensures effective coordination between its vocational guidance and training programmes and its employment programmes, and to provide detailed information on the content of training programmes, as well as statistical data disaggregated by age and sex on the number of participants obtaining lasting employment following completion of their training. The Committee also requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken or envisaged to ensure that vocational guidance and training educational curricula and training content are coordinated with existing and anticipated employment opportunities, to meet the current and evolving needs of the labour market.

Article 2. Collection and analysis of employment data. The Committee previously requested the Government to provide updated statistics on the employment situation and trends. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that the information is not available. The Committee therefore reiterates its request that the Government provide updated statistics, disaggregated by age and sex, on the situation and trends of employment, unemployment and underemployment in the formal and informal economies as soon as this information becomes available.

Article 3. Participation of the social partners in the formulation and application of policies. The Government indicates that pursuant to section 17 of the Labour Code No. 37 of 2015, the Ministry of Labour has prepared draft instructions regarding the creation of the High Committee for Planning and Employment of the Labour Force, a tripartite committee mandated to formulate public policy on employment and vocational training. The Committee requests the Government to provide updated information in its next report on the establishment and activities of the High Committee for Planning and Employment of the Labour Force.