Baghdad – IA
Minister of Labor and Social Affairs, Ahmed Al-Asadi, warned of the effects of the barbaric aggression of the occupying entity in Lebanon after Palestine and Syria on social partners and the labor market in the Middle East region.
Al-Asadi said on the sidelines of the 352nd session of the Board of Directors of the International Labor Organization held in Geneva in a statement received by the (INA), that “Iraq supports the organization’s plan to respond to the emergency in Lebanon, which demonstrates the clear destructive impact of the occupation’s aggression on people’s lives, and its cause of displacement.” A large number of Lebanese civilians,” expressing “Iraq’s support for this plan, which would pave the way for Lebanon’s recovery by relying on ongoing ILO projects in Lebanon in cooperation.” With national and local authorities and the constituent bodies of the international organization.”
He pointed out that “Iraq is considered one of the first countries to provide support to brothers, whether inside Lebanon, or those hosted by Iraq, and to provide them with the necessary facilities,” stressing “the government’s readiness to provide the required support to the Regional Office for Arab States and the technical support team for the success of the tasks assigned to them.”
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Labor Expert Ahmed Al-Asadi
Time.news Editor: Good day, Mr. Al-Asadi. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the recent developments concerning the labor market in the Middle East, particularly in light of the ongoing situation in Lebanon. Can you share with us the key effects of the recent violence from the occupying entity on the labor market in the region?
Ahmed Al-Asadi: Thank you for having me. The aggression we are witnessing, following the disturbing patterns in Palestine and Syria, is creating a devastating impact on social partners and the labor market throughout the Middle East. In Lebanon, we see large-scale displacement affecting communities and livelihoods, directly straining the available workforce.
Time.news Editor: You mentioned the displacement of Lebanese civilians. How do you see Iraq’s role in addressing this crisis, and what specific support is being offered?
Ahmed Al-Asadi: Iraq is fully committed to supporting Lebanon during this crisis. At the recent 352nd session of the International Labor Organization (ILO) in Geneva, I emphasized Iraq’s support for their emergency response plan. This initiative focuses on addressing the socio-economic repercussions of the occupation, showcasing our solidarity with the Lebanese people and the displacement of many.
Time.news Editor: What practical measures is Iraq implementing to assist those displaced individuals in Lebanon and within its borders?
Ahmed Al-Asadi: Iraq has been proactive. We have been one of the first countries to extend support to our Lebanese brothers. We are facilitating the provision of essentials and resources both in Lebanon and for refugees hosted in Iraq. Our government stands ready to assist the Regional Office for Arab States and the ILO’s technical support team to ensure that we implement effective recovery strategies.
Time.news Editor: From your perspective, what are some of the broader implications for the labor market across the Middle East stemming from this situation?
Ahmed Al-Asadi: The implications could be severe. As countries like Lebanon grapple with increased displacement, labor markets become saturated with people seeking work but unable to find it due to conflict. This can lead to increased unemployment rates and social instability across the region. Furthermore, economies dependent on labor can face severe disruptions, impacting productivity and overall growth.
Time.news Editor: With these challenges in mind, what insights can you provide for governments and organizations looking to implement solutions in the region?
Ahmed Al-Asadi: Collaboration is key. Governments and international organizations must work together to create resilient support systems for displaced populations. This includes investing in job creation, vocational training, and rehabilitation programs to enable individuals to reintegrate into the workforce successfully. It is also crucial for us to develop policies that prioritize social safety nets to buffer against such crises in the future.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Mr. Al-Asadi. Your insights into the labor market’s challenges and the indispensable role of support systems are invaluable during this critical time. Any final thoughts for our readers?
Ahmed Al-Asadi: I urge everyone to be aware of the ongoing struggles in Lebanon and the broader Middle East. Collective efforts from governments, organizations, and individuals can truly make a difference in the lives of those affected by conflict. Supporting such initiatives is vital for regional recovery and stability.
Time.news Editor: Thank you for your time and expertise today. We appreciate your commitment to addressing these pressing issues.