Iraq Accedes Two New International Labor Organization(ILO) Conventions on Agriculture Safety and Health and Seafarers’ Identity

Iraq’s Permanent Representative to the UN Office in Geneva, Ambassador Dr Abdul-Karim Hashem Mustafa participated in a virtual ceremony held on Friday, 21 May 2021, during which the documents of the accession of the Republic of Iraq to two new International Labor Organization conventions: (Safety and Health in Agriculture Convention, 2001 (No. 184)) and (Seafarers’ Identity Documents Convention (Revised), 2003, as amended (No. 185)) were deposited, with the participation of the Director-General of the ILO in Geneva, Mr Guy Ryder, after the Iraqi Parliament approved these two conventions.

During the ceremony, the PR delivered a speech in which he touched on the great importance that the Iraqi government attaches to the work and the role of the ILO, indicating that joining these two conventions will have a positive impact on the situation of workers in the agricultural and marine sectors, moreover; that the Iraqi government is working towards preserving the rights of workers, improving their conditions, and advancing the Iraqi labor market in a manner that reaffirms Iraq’s obligations to work in accordance with the ILO standards. He also indicated that Iraq actively participates in preparing and amending laws, conventions and recommendations in the ILO Board of Directors in its capacity as an alternate member for the period 2017-2021 and that it has been re-nominated for the same position within the (Asia Pacific Group) for the upcoming elections of the organization.

The PR concluded his speech by thanking Mr Ryder for his efforts in supporting Iraq’s endeavors within the work of the ILO and personally wishing him success in his duties.

For his part, Mr Ryder welcomed Iraq’s accession to these two conventions, which will have a positive impact on promoting workers’ rights and the local labor market, and at the same time commending the important role that Iraq plays in the work of the organization being one of the most Arab countries joining its conventions, which indicates Iraq’s interest in the ILO work, the workers and the great efforts it is playing in this field, bringing the total of the conventions that Iraq has joined up to 70 conventions after depositing the accession documents for these two conventions. Mr Ryder also touched on the issue of opening a representative office for the organization in Baghdad last year, carrying out its duties within the framework of cooperation with the Iraqi Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs and the relevant authorities, providing advice and support necessary for them in accordance with the constitution of the organization and expressed his readiness to provide all the facilities that Iraq needs from the ILO.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, Mr Ryder officially signed the receipt of Iraq’s accession documents to the two conventions mentioned above, and Iraq will be provided with an acknowledgement of receipt at the earliest opportunity.