Human Rights at Stake: The Unemployment Crisis in Iraq Amid Rising Education Levels

Unemployment in Iraq: A Worsening Epidemic Amid Rising Education Levels!

Unemployment in Iraq is a social and economic issue that affects citizens' lives and national development. According to the Federal Ministry of Planning, the unemployment rate in Iraq reached 16.5% in 2021, while Trading Economics reported it at 15.55% in 2022. This rate varies by gender, education levels, and from one governorate to another, influenced by various factors, leading to a range of negative effects at different levels.

Causes of Unemployment in Iraq:

The causes of unemployment in Iraq are multiple and intertwined, summarized as follows:

- The ISIS war in 2014 caused destruction, displacement, and halted projects and economic activities in liberated areas.

- The decline in global and local oil prices has impacted the state budget and its ability to provide jobs and services to citizens, especially since Iraq heavily relies on oil as a primary source of income.

- The COVID-19 pandemic and the preventive measures taken by the government to curb the virus's spread, such as curfews and the closure of businesses, restaurants, hotels, and other sectors that employ a large number of workers, led to income loss and job losses for many.

- The rampant corruption in state institutions affects the fair and transparent distribution of resources and opportunities, hindering the investment of available capabilities and wealth in developmental projects that serve the community and promote competitiveness and innovation.

- The absence of strategic planning and vision for comprehensive and sustainable development, which considers community needs and aspirations, effectively utilizes local resources, provides a conducive environment for private sector investment and production, and supports small and medium enterprises that are crucial for creating new job opportunities.

- The contraction of economic activities not related to oil, such as agriculture, industry, and tourism, due to weak infrastructure, lack of incentives, and increased dependency on foreign imports, which reduces the capacity of these activities to absorb qualified labor.

- The low level of education, training, and skills among workers, which does not align with the requirements of the local and global labor market, reducing their chances of obtaining suitable jobs or starting their own businesses.

Hidden Unemployment in Iraq:

Hidden unemployment is a form of unemployment that does not appear in official statistics and occurs when individuals work below their capacity, skills, or desires, or when the number of workers in a specific sector exceeds what is necessary. In Iraq, hidden unemployment is widespread, especially in the public sector, where there is an inflation of employees without economic or social justification, due to corruption, favoritism, and political hiring. Hidden unemployment also includes individuals working in non-profit or unproductive sectors, such as imported trade, smuggling, or begging.

Unemployment and Education Levels:

Unemployment rates show a notable increase with higher education levels in Iraq, with variations in figures according to sources and available years of statistics. According to Trading Economics, unemployment rates by education level in Iraq for 2014 were as follows:

- Unemployment among those without a certificate was 6.9%, the lowest unemployment rate among educational levels.

- Unemployment among primary school graduates was 9.4%, higher than the overall unemployment rate in Iraq (10.6%).

- Unemployment among intermediate school graduates was 11.7%, higher than the overall unemployment rate in Iraq (10.6%).

- Unemployment among secondary school graduates was 14.2%, higher than the overall unemployment rate in Iraq (10.6%) and above the average unemployment rates in OECD countries (7.4%).

- Unemployment among those with higher degrees (diploma, bachelor's, master's, doctorate) was 17.1%, the highest unemployment rate among educational levels, more than double the average unemployment rates in OECD countries (7.4%).

Similarly, for 2016, the unemployment rates by education level in Iraq were as follows:

- Unemployment among those without a certificate was 8.3%, the lowest unemployment rate among educational levels.

- Unemployment among primary school graduates was 9.8%, lower than the overall unemployment rate in Iraq (10.8%).

- Unemployment among intermediate school graduates was 11.5%, higher than the overall unemployment rate in Iraq (10.8%).

- Unemployment among secondary school graduates was 13.5%, higher than the overall unemployment rate in Iraq (10.8%) and above the average unemployment rates in OECD countries (6.3%).

- Unemployment among those with higher degrees (diploma, bachelor's, master's, doctorate) was 15.9%, the highest unemployment rate among educational levels, more than double the average unemployment rates in OECD countries (6.3%).

These figures indicate an inverse relationship between education levels and job opportunities in Iraq, meaning that as education levels increase, so does the unemployment rate. This reflects an unusual situation compared to most countries, where education is supposed to qualify individuals for the labor market and increase their chances of obtaining good jobs with high salaries. This may be due to several factors, including:

- The low quality of education in Iraq and its mismatch with local, regional, and international labor market needs, along with the low skill levels of higher education graduates.

- Limited job opportunities in the public sector and the weak role of the private sector in generating new job opportunities, coupled with the absence of an environment that encourages entrepreneurship and innovation.

- The low wage levels in the private sector compared to the public sector and the lack of social protection guarantees for workers, making it unattractive for higher degree holders.

- The prevalence of negative phenomena in the labor market, such as favoritism, corruption, and discrimination, which prevent equality in opportunities for obtaining government jobs.

Unemployment in Iraq by Gender, Age, and Regions:

Iraq shows differences in unemployment rates by gender, age, or regions. According to Trading Economics, unemployment rates by gender in Iraq for 2016 were as follows:

- Unemployment among males was 8.9%, lower than the overall unemployment rate in Iraq (10.8%).

- Unemployment among females was 25.2%, higher than the overall unemployment rate in Iraq (10.8%) and more than three times the unemployment rate among males.

According to the same source, unemployment rates by age in Iraq for 2016 were as follows:

- Unemployment among the age group 15-24 years was 22.7%, higher than the overall unemployment rate in Iraq (10.8%) and above the average unemployment rates among youth in OECD countries (12.6%).

- Unemployment among the age group 25-34 years was 11.9%, higher than the overall unemployment rate in Iraq (10.8%) and lower than the average unemployment rates among youth in OECD countries (12.6%).

- Unemployment among age groups 35 years and older was less than 10%, lower than the overall unemployment rate in Iraq (10.8%).

The same source indicates that unemployment rates by governorates in Iraq for 2016 were as follows:

- The highest unemployment rates were in the governorates of Diyala (5.7%), Kirkuk (9.9%), Dhi Qar (14.9%), Maysan (17.1%), Wasit (10.8%), Salah al-Din (10.8%), and Karbala (7.1%).

- The lowest unemployment rates were in other governorates such as Baghdad (9.8%), Babil (7.3%), Najaf (9.5%), Qadisiyyah (11.9%), Al-Muthanna (14.5%), and Basra (12.4%).

These figures indicate significant disparities in unemployment rates by gender, age, or regions in Iraq, reflecting inequality in access to jobs and income in Iraqi society.

Consequences of Unemployment in Iraq:

The high unemployment rates in Iraq, both real and hidden, have numerous negative effects on social, economic, and environmental levels, including:

- A decline in living standards and purchasing power of citizens, increased poverty rates, and exacerbation of health, educational, and housing problems.

- Wasting the country's resources and loss of productivity and efficiency, missed opportunities for development and investment, increased burden on the state budget, reduced revenues, and increased debts.

- Social decline and disintegration, with the rise of negative phenomena such as crime, violence, terrorism, corruption, prostitution, drug trafficking, child and orphan abduction and sale, human trafficking, and loss of social cohesion, along with a decline in adherence to values and ethics.

- Wasting the state's human and financial resources, reducing the efficiency and effectiveness of public administration, and increasing salary expenses without return.

- A decrease in productivity, innovation, and competitiveness of the national economy, and a decline in the growth of important sectors such as agriculture, industry, and services.

- Increased dependency on oil revenues and reduced ability of the state to achieve sustainable development and mitigate the impacts of fluctuations in oil prices.

- A decline in societal satisfaction with government performance, increased employee complaints about work pressure or low wages or mistreatment, and the rise of negative phenomena such as pessimism, frustration, laziness, cheating, and bribery.

Human Rights Concerns Related to Unemployment in Iraq

The high unemployment rates in Iraq not only reflect economic challenges but also raise significant human rights concerns. These include:

1. Right to Work: The inability of citizens to find suitable employment violates their right to work, which is enshrined in international human rights instruments. This leads to economic marginalization and social exclusion.

2. Impact on Vulnerable Groups: Unemployment disproportionately affects marginalized groups, including women, youth, and internally displaced persons (IDPs), exacerbating existing inequalities and limiting their access to basic rights and services.

3. Mental Health and Well-being: High unemployment rates contribute to increased levels of stress, anxiety, and depression among individuals, affecting their overall mental health and well-being.

4. Social Stability and Security: Persistent unemployment can lead to social unrest, increased crime rates, and violence, undermining public safety and stability.

5. Access to Education and Training: Lack of job opportunities often discourages individuals from pursuing further education or vocational training, perpetuating a cycle of poverty and unemployment.

Suggested Solutions

To address these human rights concerns, the following solutions are recommended:

1. Job Creation Initiatives: The government should implement targeted job creation programs, particularly in sectors with high potential for growth, such as renewable energy, technology, and agriculture. Public-private partnerships can be leveraged to stimulate job growth.

2. Vocational Training and Education: Expanding vocational training programs that align with market needs can equip individuals with the necessary skills to secure employment. Collaborations with local businesses can ensure that training programs are relevant and effective.

3. Support for Women and Marginalized Groups: Specific policies should be developed to support women's employment and the integration of marginalized groups into the workforce. This may include childcare support, flexible work arrangements, and anti-discrimination measures.

4. Strengthening Civil Society: Empowering civil society organizations to advocate for workers' rights and provide support services can enhance accountability and promote human rights in the labor market.

5. Mental Health Support Services: Establishing mental health support services for unemployed individuals can help address the psychological impact of unemployment and promote overall well-being.

6. Enhancing Legal Frameworks: Strengthening labor laws and protections for workers can ensure fair treatment and safe working conditions, thereby enhancing job security and rights.

7. International Cooperation and Support: Engaging with international organizations and NGOs can provide technical assistance and funding for employment initiatives and human rights advocacy.

Addressing unemployment in Iraq through a human rights lens is crucial for promoting social justice and economic stability. By implementing comprehensive strategies that consider the rights and needs of all citizens, particularly the most vulnerable, Iraq can move towards a more equitable and prosperous future.