ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq - Iraq and the Kurdistan Region joined in the global celebrations for International Labour Day on Thursday, honoring hardworking individuals while leaders pledged to increase rights for workers and improve their living conditions.

A national holiday, Labour Day also offers a time to reflect on the pressing challenges relating to workers' rights in Iraq, including low wages, unsafe conditions, and, most importantly, the prevalence of child labor.

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani demonstrated “unwavering commitment” to the rights of workers in the country.

“This commitment is reflected in the implementation of the Labor Retirement and Social Security Law, which fosters an environment where the productivity of the workforce can thrive,” Sudani wrote on X.

According to the law, the minimum salary for insured workers will be 500,000 dinars.

The Iraqi premier went on to say, “We emphasize that the momentum of labor and construction will not slow down, driven by the determination of the Iraqi people to build and advance their nation, expand opportunities for development and employment, and provide new economic and industrial prospects.”

Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani also wished workers a happy Labour Day.

“The Kurdistan Regional Government has exerted massive efforts to improve the living conditions of workers and protect their rights in recent years,” Prime Minister Barzani stated. “We reiterate our commitment to advocate for and provide all of the workers' rights in terms of health and professional safety.”

The president of the Kurdistan Region, for his part, hailed the workers’ “crucial contribution” to the development of the Kurdistan Region.

"I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all workers in Kurdistan, Iraq, and around the world, and their organizations. I commend their dedication to the progress and rejuvenation of our country, along with their crucial contribution to its development,” President Nechirvan Barzani said in a statement.

Barzani reaffirmed their “strong commitment to upholding workers’ rights and supporting their legitimate demands in the Kurdistan Region.”

"We advocate for the establishment of a peaceful working environment, the provision of fair employment opportunities, and the regulation of relationships between workers and employers in a way that protects the dignity of all workers,” the Kurdish president said.

Iraq was one of the first countries to join the International Labor Organization in 1932.

Despite this, child labor remains a significant challenge in Iraq. Iraq ranks fourth among Arab nations in the prevalence of child labor, following Yemen, Sudan, and Egypt. This phenomenon impedes children's access to education and compromises their rights.

Iraq's high child labor rates are attributed to economic challenges, including reduced family income, high unemployment and poverty rates, conflicts, displacement, and increased domestic violence against children.