Hundreds of Demonstrations, Thousands of Protesters – PFO monitoring report

The Peace and Freedom Organization (PFO) has released a new monitoring report documenting the deepening labor and socio-economic crisis in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region between January and mid-April 2026. The report highlights the scale of job losses, the spread of labor protests, and the continuing toll of work-related deaths across the country.

According to the report, approximately 100,000 workers were laid off during March 2026, while 25 workers lost their lives during work between 1 January and 15 April 2026. It also documents hundreds of demonstrations and strikes involving workers, public employees, graduates, contract staff, and other groups protesting salary cuts, delayed payments, unsafe labor conditions, and the lack of secure employment.

The report places these developments within a wider context of political instability, economic disruption, and shrinking protections for workers. It also raises concern over the growing vulnerability of workers in the private sector and employees of civil society organizations, many of whom have been affected by layoffs, funding cuts, and the absence of adequate social protection.

Download the full report.