Tripartite committee established in Nineveh to expand social security

26 January 2026

NINEVEH and KIRKUK (ILO News) – As part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the inclusiveness of Iraq’s social security system and expand coverage nationwide, the International Labour Organization, with funding from the European Union, convened two high-level tripartite meetings in Nineveh and Kirkuk, The meetings brought together representatives of government institutions and workers’ and employers’ organizations under the framework of the Social Protection Programme for Iraq, funded by the European Union and implemented by the ILO.

In Nineveh, the tripartite meeting marked an important step towards strengthening social dialogue mechanisms in Nineveh Governorate, particularly in the context of rebuilding social protection systems following years of conflict and institutional disruption. Discussions focused on raising awareness of the Workers’ Social Security and Retirement Law No. 18 of 2023, clarifying the roles and responsibilities of local government institutions, and highlighting the role of workers’ and employers’ organizations in expanding social security coverage. Participants also discussed ways to enhance coordination, establish organizational arrangements for the work of the tripartite committee in the governorate, and address practical challenges related to the registration of workers, especially in the private sector and small enterprises, through awareness-raising, simplified procedures, and institutional capacity building.

In this context, Igor Bosc, Social Protection Programme Chief Technical Adviser, and ILO Iraq Country Coordinator, stated:
“Tripartite social dialogue is a fundamental pillar for ensuring the effective and sustainable implementation of social security reforms. By empowering local actors in Nineveh and strengthening coordination between government, employers and workers, we aim to ensure that social protection reaches all workers, supporting economic and social recovery and contributing to long-term stability.”

The meeting also emphasized the importance of activating social security benefits, improving registration processes, and strengthening the role of social partners in raising awareness of rights and obligations. Participants stressed the need for continued engagement and coordinated implementation through the newly established Nineveh Tripartite Committee, which provides an institutional platform for sustained social dialogue and collaborative action to expand social security coverage at the governorate level. 

In Kirkuk, the tripartite meeting focused on expanding social security coverage for workers in the oil and gas sector, a sector characterized by complex contractual arrangements and high levels of informality. Discussions were informed by the findings of a focus group discussion held with oil and gas workers, which highlighted key challenges, including the absence of formal contracts, limited application of occupational safety and health standards, and low awareness of registration procedures, benefits, and grievance mechanisms, particularly among women and young workers.

As a result of coordinated awareness-raising and inspection efforts, Kirkuk recorded the highest national increase in newly registered social security contributors in 2024, with coverage rising from 21,664 to 41,015 workers over a period of just three years. Despite this significant progress, challenges remain, including under-reporting of workers, limited uptake of benefits, and persistent occupational safety and health risks, particularly in high-risk sectors. In response, members of the tripartite committee agreed to intensify worker registration efforts in priority districts, strengthen labour inspection and enforcement, and launch gender-responsive awareness campaigns, with a focus on improving workers’ understanding of their rights and registration procedures. The discussions also underscored the importance of operationalizing short-term benefits and improving access to disability and survivors’ pensions, as key measures to strengthen workers’ trust in the social security system.

Participants in Kirkuk further discussed the tripartite committee’s workplan for 2026 and agreed on next steps to ensure regular follow-up and effective implementation at the local level.

These meetings reflect Iraq’s commitment to advancing a comprehensive, rights-based social protection system and to strengthening social dialogue as a key tool for expanding social security coverage and improving working conditions, in line with International Labour Organization standards and European Union partnership priorities. The ILO will continue to support the governorates through technical assistance, capacity building, and sustained tripartite coordination.

These activities are part of the Social Protection Programme for Iraq: Leveraging Effective Response and Accelerating Reform, an EU-funded Programme, which aims to support the Government of Iraq and social partners in expanding social security coverage, strengthening governance, and ensuring access to social protection for all workers, particularly in the private sector and the informal economy.