Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2019, published 109th ILC session (2021)

Human Resources Development Convention, 1975 (No. 142) - Iraq (Ratification: 1978)

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Adoption and implementation of policies and programmes of vocational guidance. Close link between employment and training. In reply to the Committee’s previous direct request, the Government reports that, in 2014, the Council of Ministers approved a strategy to develop technical and vocational education and training (2014–23). The strategy includes 70 schemes and 35 programmes designed to raise the level of technical and vocational education and training (TVET) graduates in line with the needs of the labour market. The Government adds that, since 2016, in collaboration with UNESCO, and with funding from the European Union (EU), it has been implementing a TVET reform project. The project is upgrading the skills of TVET trainers to enable them to provide competency-based training (CBT) and the new curricula that will be trialled in close cooperation with actors in the labour market. The Government notes that a national council for technical and vocational education and training bill (governance of TVET institutions) has been drafted. Additionally, the Government indicates that a national labour market observatory has been established to monitor the needs of the labour market and a draft concept document has been drafted to develop a national technical and vocational qualification framework that seeks to open new learning trajectories, and recognize prior learning as well as links between qualifications. In addition, agreement has been reached on a draft framework for a public–private partnership. The Government also refers to the merger of the Department of Vocational Training of the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs with the Department of Employment and Loans and the Department of Vocational Training, which now form the Directorate of Training and Employment. The Committee requests the Government to provide information in its next report on the mandate and activities of the Directorate of Training and Employment, as well as information on the impact of its activities in relation to the provisions of the Convention. The Committee further requests the Government to provide detailed information on the outcomes achieved by the TVET project (2014–23). The Government is also requested to provide a copy of the law on the national TVET council as soon as it is adopted.

Article 3. Vocational guidance policy. The Committee reiterates its request that the Government provide information on the measures taken to ensure that comprehensive information and the broadest possible guidance are available to all workers, including young people, women and persons with disabilities. In addition, the Committee requests the Government to provide information, including statistical data disaggregated by sex, age and type of training provided, on the number of trainees undergoing TVET annually.

Article 5. Cooperation with the social partners. In response to the Committee’s 2014 direct request, the Government indicates that the Tripartite Consultation Committee’s membership includes the Iraqi Federation of Industries and the General Federation of Trade Unions in Iraq. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the frequency, nature and outcome of the consultations held with the social partners in relation to the development and implementation of policies and programmes of vocational guidance, education and training.