Exploitation of Women in Iraq: The Role of Human Rights and Rule of Law in Combating Fraudulent Recruitment Practices

The Trap of Fake Companies Targeting Women in Baghdad: A Human Rights and Rule of Law Perspective

Unemployment among young women in Iraq has reached alarming levels, leaving many vulnerable to exploitation by fraudulent companies. Lamia, a 24-year-old graduate, has been unemployed since completing her studies in 2022. Like many others, she spends her days searching for job opportunities. One day, she came across an advertisement that read:

"A secretary is required with a monthly salary of $800, daily bonuses, and a comfortable and safe workplace. We are looking for a girl who loves her job to carry out simple administrative tasks that do not require experience, provided that she is honest and loyal."

The advertisement, posted on the "OpenSooq" application, included a contact number for the employer. Eager to begin her career, Lamia quickly called and scheduled an interview. However, what seemed like a promising opportunity turned into a harrowing experience.

The Exploitation of Vulnerable Women

Lamia recounts her experience: "The man seemed calm and spoke confidently about a job opportunity at a tourism company in the Mansour area, west of Baghdad. He asked about my age and education, and we agreed to meet the next day."

When Lamia arrived at the interview location, she found herself in a small office within an apartment building. The employer, identified as Sayed Karrar, was present along with two other women. "After a brief conversation, he asked the two girls and me to accompany him to the workplace. We walked down a side street, and suddenly, they directed me to enter a massage center," she said. Realizing the nature of the operation, Lamia fled in fear and has since avoided online job advertisements.

Lamia's story is not an isolated incident. Testimonies from other women reveal a disturbing trend of fake recruitment companies luring job-seekers into exploitative situations, including brothels and unlicensed massage parlors. According to the Central Bureau of Statistics, the unemployment rate among women in Iraq is approximately 22%. This economic vulnerability, combined with a lack of awareness and weak enforcement of labor laws, creates fertile ground for such exploitation.

Shell Companies and the Rule of Law

These fraudulent companies operate without registration or licenses, often using social media platforms and online advertising to target their victims. They frequently claim to represent legitimate businesses but operate from unmarked and remote locations. The Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs has identified several shell companies in Baghdad, including those in Karrada, Mansour, and Karkh. In a public statement, the ministry named seven fictitious companies and warned that legal action would be taken against them in court.

Despite these efforts, enforcement remains a challenge. The lack of stringent oversight and accountability allows such operations to thrive. This is a clear violation of the rule of law, which mandates that all entities—individuals and organizations alike—must adhere to legal frameworks and regulations. The failure to prosecute these companies undermines public trust in the justice system and perpetuates a cycle of exploitation.

A Human Rights Perspective

From a human rights standpoint, the actions of these shell companies represent a grave violation of women's dignity and autonomy. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) guarantees the right to work, free choice of employment, and just and favorable working conditions. By deceiving women and luring them into exploitative environments, these companies strip them of their right to safe and dignified work.

Furthermore, the exploitation of women for illegal activities such as prostitution constitutes a violation of their fundamental rights to safety, freedom from coercion, and protection under the law. The Iraqi government has an obligation under international human rights treaties to protect its citizens from such abuses and ensure access to justice for victims.

The Stories of Victims

Another victim, identified only as S.N., shared her experience with a similar scheme. She responded to a Facebook job advertisement for a secretary position near her residence. The job promised attractive pay and minimal working hours. However, when she arrived at the interview location—a small apartment—she discovered it was a brothel. "The employer asked me to work wherever and whenever they asked, without objection. I refused and left immediately," she said. Despite blocking the employer's number, he continued to contact her in an attempt to persuade her.

These stories highlight the psychological and emotional toll such experiences take on victims. Many women are left feeling traumatized, ashamed, and hesitant to seek further employment opportunities.

The Role of Society and Government

Social researchers emphasize the importance of raising awareness among women about the tactics used by these fraudulent companies. Families are encouraged to accompany their daughters to job interviews to ensure their safety. Victims are also urged to report incidents to the authorities to prevent others from falling prey to similar schemes.

The Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs has called on citizens to avoid dealing with unlicensed companies and instead register with official employment programs. The ministry has also pledged to connect job-seekers with legitimate companies and monitor labor market activities more closely.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

The exploitation of women by shell companies in Baghdad is a multifaceted issue that requires urgent attention. From a rule of law perspective, stricter enforcement of licensing and labor regulations is essential to dismantle these fraudulent operations. Authorities must ensure that perpetrators are held accountable and victims are provided with legal recourse.

From a human rights perspective, the government must prioritize the protection of women’s rights to safe and dignified work. Public awareness campaigns, coupled with robust legal frameworks, can empower women to recognize and resist exploitation.

Ultimately, addressing this issue requires a collective effort from society, government institutions, and international organizations to uphold the principles of justice, equality, and human dignity.