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 launched its project to establish a Trade Union Centre in Iraq.

Trade Union Rights Centre, Iraq
In early 2006 the Trade Union Rights Centre started its work to defend and extend the protection and awareness of trade union rights and core labour standards in Iraq. In June the TURC Director participated in the ILO's training session on International Labour Standards for jurists in Turin, Italy, and became the first Iraqi ever to graduate from that course. Following his training, the TURC Director returned to Iraq and opened an office in Baghdad. Since that time, TURC has been functioning effectively, despite the obvious difficulties of working in Baghdad.

In early 2007 ICTUR arranged for the Director of TURC Iraq to visit TURC Indonesia to study how lawyers there have built an effective and well-respected NGO that interfaces between unions, lawyers, academics and the NGO communities.

TURC reports the following activities:
TURC held a number of initial meetings with government ministers and other policy makers to discuss the objectives of the TURC and to lobby for respect for ILO standards:

During June and July 2006 TURC conducted a number of brain storming sessions and group workshops at a number of locations around Baghdad, which were attended by lawyers, judges, trade union leaders and academics. These sessions kick-started the activities of networking between academics, lawyers and trade unions, and focussed on a discussion of the labour law and compliance with ILO standards.

Later in the year TURC presented a series of lectures to law students in several universities, emphasising the importance of labour rights, and explaining the position of labour rights within the system of international law.

In early 2007 there were a series of attacks against high profile trade unionists and labour lawyers. TURC rapidly informed ICTUR of the attacks, visited the scenes and organized meetings with the unions concerned. At a conference organised by ICTUR in Jakarta (see below) a statement was prepared and signed by TURC and GFIW representatives from Iraq, by ICTUR representatives from the UK and Australia, and by many Indonesian trade unionists, lawyers and NGOs. The statement was issued as a press release in English and Bahasa Indonesian, and was addressed to the Indonesian government, calling upon them to use all available diplomatic channels to support the safety of trade unionists in Iraq and the defence of trade union rights.

On occasion it was not possible for TURC to hold meetings due to the security situation. TURC attempted to operate by phone and email, but staff have faced regular problems in travelling across the city to the office and work has been severely hampered.