Activists work directly with employers
Al-Khafaji said authorities often answered that there were too few opportunities. His organisation also ran employer workshops. After one workshop, Baghdad’s Bab al-Agha Bakeries began hiring deaf workers; its chief executive told Human Rights Watch the workforce had grown to almost 30 deaf employees. A sign-language interpreter helped colleagues communicate.
Employers discuss a national network
On 9 July 2024, a workshop brought together the Iraqi Federation for Industries, the ILO, government representatives and disability organisations to begin establishing a business and disability network. Participants discussed accessible workplaces, recruitment and a roadmap for the network. ILO country coordinator Maha Kattaa linked the initiative to Iraq’s 2024–2028 workplace-inequality strategy. [2]
A national forum follows
In a separate announcement on 11 July, UNDP reported on the first national forum for empowering people with disabilities, organised with the labour ministry and USAID. Minister Ahmed Alasadi emphasised partnerships and economic participation. The forum addressed vocational training, technology and employment, while young Iraqis with disabilities shared their experiences. [3]