The ILO held a series of workshops with its tripartite partners across Iraq to present the preliminary findings from a recent study conducted on relevant policy, legislative and regulatory frameworks in the country’s agriculture sector.

The study also examines and identifies institutions and relevant stakeholders of the agriculture and agro-food sector, working in the fields of skills development, enterprise development, work permits, inspection, Occupational Safety and Health and other labour-related areas of work.

The workshops took place in Baghdad, Basra, Erbil and Dohuk, bringing together a wide spectrum of partners, including various ministries, employers and workers organizations, UN partners, NGOs, and academics.

The study is part of activities being carried by the ILO, with the support of the European Union, aimed at “Enhancing labour governance, inspection and working conditions in response to COVID-19.”

It is doing so through efforts to enhance the regulatory framework in the agriculture sector, strengthen labour inspections and occupational safety and health measures, and improve labour conditions and standards in agriculture.

Evidence-based recommendations for the sector will provide a better understanding of the current legal and regulatory environment of the sector and requirements for improvement.