Iraq: Trade Union Rights Centre ictur,11 june 2005:
In accordance with the UN charter which stipulates in its articles the importance of adherence to national independence and sovereignty of national states as well as solutions of problems between national states by peaceful means and respect to the principal of the sovereignty and equality of the UN members;
In recognition of the importance of universal respect for and observance of human rights and fundamental freedoms for all without distinction as to race, sex, language and religion;
In accordance with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of the United Nations which states that 'everyone has the right to form and to join trade unions for the protection of their interests';
And recognising the Conventions of the International Labour Organisation to be an authoritative source of international consensus and as an essential part of the body of international law;
ICTUR launches its project to establish a Trade Union Centre in Iraq.
Project summary
ICTUR has developed a proposal for a 'Trade Union Rights Centre', an independent NGO office to be based in Iraq that will develop a small staff consisting of qualified lawyers and researchers with experience of labour issues. The TURC will become a centre for open discussion between trade unionists and the legal, academic and NGO communities, as well as a centre for the study and promotion of basic principles of trade union and labour rights. The TURC will provide expert legal, analytical and technical assistance to Iraqi unions in relation to the new labour code. TURC will also provide assistance to trade unions in legal disputes.
For more information about the TURC, see the report of the Administrative Council 2005 or read about the experiences of the TURC Indonesia.
Rationale
Although there are several trade union organisations now operating in Iraq, these unions have no formal research capacity, and there are no organisations dedicated to assisting unions in legal and organisational matters.
Priorities
The Trade Union Rights Centre will embark on the following immediate priorities:
· legal analysis and critique of the new labour law
· providing an advocacy and activist advice service for unions dealing with union rights issues
· providing education and training on labour right
· the collection of data on union rights issues
· campaigning on union rights issues
· documentation of cases of violations of freedom of association
· provision of information on union rights and international labour standards
· provision of assistance and expertise with trade union organising and recruitment
- provision of expertise to the trade unions during their first years of engagement with international agencies
· provision of an independent portal for Iraqi unions, academics and lawyers to access fellow professionals in and advice from the international community.
The Centre will offer its services to all genuine unions who seek its assistance. There is a need to provide immediate support and advice to unions engaged in union rights struggles. There is also a need to provide the union movement with analysis and research on legal and organisational issues at a time of political, social and economic change. TURC will be capable of meeting these needs and making a real contribution to the development of strong and effective unions able to fight for union rights.
ICTUR is open to working with all genuine trade unions organising in Iraq, regardless of affiliation. ICTUR will engage in high-level discussions in an effort to ensure that the TURC project is supported by and is accessible to as many trade unions as is possible.
Key to the success of the TURC project is its separation from the trade union organisations who will benefit from its services. TURC's non-aligned status will be promoted around the concept of the independence of the judiciary and TURC staff will be qualified lawyers.
Linkages
The TURC will build close working relationships with trade unions, lawyers' organisations, with relevant NGOs at the national and regional level. TURC will also seek outreach to the academic community, seeking to establish permanent links where possible with universities and research institutes working on labour and / or human rights issues. TURC will also work with international organisations directly and with the assistance of ICTUR.
Consultation
ICTUR has begun to discuss the project with several Iraqi trade unions. ICTUR will engage in high-level discussions with organisations in Iraq and the wider region in an effort to ensure that the TURC project is supported by and is accessible to the widest number of trade unions possible. These organisations will be invited to advise upon TURC's planning and activities throughout the lifetime of the project.
Project management
An advisory board is being assembled, consisting of invited representatives of Iraqi, regional and international trade union, legal and academic experts.
A project officer has been appointed by ICTUR to oversee administration of the project from ICTUR's office in London.
The in-country TURC Director will be a qualified lawyer with strong administrative and management skills.
Conclusions
The project will provide Iraqi workers, through their trade unions and via workplace education, with an open forum in which to develop and enhance their own understanding of the role of trade unions and of their value as engines for change, for socially responsible development and progress within society. TURC will further provide specialised advice and assistance to enhance the capacity of all trade unions in Iraq to act as the democratic and representative voices of Iraqi workers at local, national and international levels.
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