Iraq, ILO and partners launch the National Social Security Awareness Campaign

BAGHDAD (ILO News) -Tuesday, the National Social Security Awareness Campaign in Iraq was launched through a joint effort by the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, the International Labour Organization (ILO), in collaboration with the European Union, and with support from the Social Protection Joint Programme, a joint programme by the ILO, UNICEF and the World Food Programme (WFP). The campaign aims to highlight the new Social Security and Pensions Law No. 18, approved by the Iraqi Parliament last year, which represents a historic step towards strengthening Iraq's social protection system. The law aims to cover private sector workers and support informal workers in sectors such as agriculture, construction, and manufacturing.

The Minister of Labor and Social Affairs, Mr. Ahmed Al-Asadi, delivered a speech at the event, underscoring the significance of the new law, which he described as one of the most important laws issued since 2003. He highlighted its role in empowering workers, securing their rights, maternity benefits, and determining retirement age. He added, “This law empowers workers, making them similar to employees in terms of optional insurance choices. The private sector in Iraq and globally represents the majority, yet private sector participation in Iraq's social security remains low at about 10%. This is why it is important to raise awareness and promote this law widely across society to ensure its application.”

In his opening remarks, Mr. Hussein Saeed Arab, Deputy Chairman of the Parliament's Committee on Labour and Civil Society Organizations, emphasized the importance of the campaign and its role in raising awareness about citizens' rights and obligations under the law, stating: “This national campaign for social security awareness is a crucial part of efforts to spread knowledge about citizens’ rights and duties under this law, simplify their understanding of its services, and encourage everyone to participate as part of the social protection network.”

The campaign seeks to increase awareness among citizens and employers about the registration process for the social security system and its various benefits, such as income security upon retirement, disability and survivors’ benefits, and health coverage. The campaign is expected to contribute to increasing formal labor force participation and stimulating economic growth.

Mr. Lennart Deridder, Head of Cooperation at the European Union, highlighted the importance of this campaign in building a new social contract with citizens, noting, “Social security is a fundamental pillar for achieving social and economic stability. We thank the ILO for its technical support and guidance in drafting the law and preparing the awareness campaign. We also express our deep appreciation and continued support for the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs in implementing Social Security Law No. 18.”

Dr. Maha Kattaa, ILO Country Coordinator in Iraq, reiterated the ILO’s commitment to supporting Iraq in building a comprehensive social security system. She said, “We must work together – the government, employers, workers, and international partners – to create a system that goes beyond being a safety net to become a platform for growth, stability, and dignity.”

Mr. Igor Bosc, ILO Senior Social Protection Technical Advisor in Iraq, explained that “the campaign we are launching today is essential for bridging the knowledge gap, ensuring that both workers and employers understand the registration process, the benefits provided by social security, and how to access them.”

The event included the signing of a pledge by participating entities to support the national social security awareness campaign, along with a panel discussion on the future of social security in Iraq, focusing on legislation, implementation, and the role of the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, labor organizations, employer organizations, and civil society in promoting a culture of social security.

The campaign will reach target groups through multiple strategies, including traditional media and social media platforms, to ensure that information reaches all workers and employers and to encourage everyone to actively participate in the social security system, contributing to a fair and prosperous future for Iraq.