Basra: The Iraqi Seamen’s Union organized a workshop on Thursday titled “The Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006: Towards Strengthening Seamen’s Rights and Supporting National Maritime Competencies,” with participation from representatives of the maritime, labor, and academic sectors in Basra.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the workshop was attended by representatives from the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, the Iraqi Higher Maritime Authority, the Arabian Gulf Academy for Maritime Studies, Iraqi ports and maritime transport companies, Iraqi oil tankers, the University of Basra, and various companies and workers in the private maritime sector.

The workshop addressed the primary themes of the International Maritime Labour Convention (MLC 2006), focusing on the minimum conditions of work and employment, living and food conditions, medical care, and mechanisms for compliance and legal oversight. Participants engaged in discussions on mechanisms for informing Iraqi seamen of their rights and obligations under the Convention, and strategies to protect their rights and develop national maritime competencies in line with international standards.

The workshop concluded with multiple recommendations, notably the initiation of regular and ongoing awareness campaigns to inform Iraqi seafarers of their legal and labor rights and obligations. Additionally, it was recommended to strengthen coordination between government agencies, companies, and the private sector to ensure the application of international maritime compliance standards. Certificates of participation were distributed to attendees in recognition of their engagement and contributions to the workshop’s success and their support for efforts aimed at developing the maritime sector in Iraq.