A holistic approach needed for reforming Iraq’s pensions system in line with international labour standards

A pension system is at the heart of social protection. By ensuring income security for older persons and other vulnerable groups, it prevents poverty, reduces inequality, and smooths consumption. A pension system also affects the working population’s labour market choices and has important fiscal implications. In spite of important legal reforms, poor implementation and asymmetries between public and private sector make Iraq’s current pension system is highly fragmented, inequitable, and inefficient. The pension coverage gap in old age is projected...