GENEVA (ILO News) – The Government of Iraq has ratified the Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise Convention, 1948 (No. 87), bringing it into the group of countries that have ratified all eight ILO fundamental Conventions. It also brings to 68 the total number of ILO Conventions ratified by Iraq, which include three out of the four governance (priority) Conventions.

The instruments of ratification were deposited at a meeting on the sidelines of the 107th International Labour Conference by Iraq's Minister of Labour and Social Affairs, Mohammed Al Sudani, in the presence of ILO Director-General, Guy Ryder.

“The Iraqi Government, in view of the tremendous political and economic challenges that the country has faced in recent years, is particularly pleased to be one of the first countries in the sub-region to have ratified this Convention, which is key from the viewpoint of promoting human rights in general and labour rights in particular. The decision to ratify this important instrument should serve as an inspiration for the future generations of workers and employers in the country,” said Al Sudani.

In receiving the instrument of ratification, the ILO Director-General recalled that: “Freedom of association, enshrined in the Convention, is at the heart of democracy – as well as an enabling right essential for the pursuit of social justice – and interlinks closely with all other fundamental rights at work. The right to organize provides an essential foundation for social dialogue, effective labour market governance and realization of decent work.”

Acknowledging the important leadership role of Iraq in this regard, Ryder added: “It is hoped that this ratification will encourage other countries in its region to pursue the ratification of this and other ILO instruments, in particular of all fundamental ILO Conventions.”

Commenting on the ratification, ILO Regional Director for Arab States Ruba Jaradat said, “Iraq has taken an important step to adjust its labour legislation in conformity with international labour standards and to strengthen social dialogue – an important step towards achieving decent work and sustainable development.”

“This commitment anchors the protection afforded to workers and employers to freely establish and join trade unions of their own choosing and establish their representative structure, as well as to participate effectively in the economic and social development of their country,” Jaradat added.

Convention 87 will enter into force for Iraq on 1 June 2019, twelve months after the registration of its ratification.

The deposit of the instrument of ratification coincides with the 70th anniversary of the adoption of the Convention by the International Labour Conference, as well as the 20th anniversary of the ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work.