Workers and work are inextricably linked to the larger social context because they have significance in social settings. As stated by the ILO, certain labor rights, including freedom of assembly, nondiscrimination, non-forced labor and child labor, are components of universal human rights. But as a result of the actions of certain organizations, companies, and labor unions, labor rights and human rights have come to be understood differently, with only civil and political rights being recognized as human rights, to the exclusion of economic, social, and cultural rights. However, social justice is a prerequisite for the realization of human rights, thus it is preferable to define rights generally in a manner that is compatible with social justice. 

There are labor regulations in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region as well. There have been attempts in the Kurdistan Region to improve the existing legislation and close any gaps in Iraqi law. Iraq has also implemented laws pertaining to social security and workers' pensions, enabling employees to retire in the same manner as public sector employees and civil servants. However, law enforcement and its implementation are the issue. Neither government has taken any action to improve the social framework around workers' rights. Workers in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region face various issues and breaches in spite of their legal frameworks. 

First and foremost, given the abundance of workers and recent college graduates, unemployment and a lack of appropriate employment opportunities. For this reason, some of the violations go unnoticed by the workers and employees themselves. Including deferred or lowered salaries as well as nonpayment of wages. excessively long work hours and sometimes failing to pay overtime wages, which is required by law. Work during public holidays, while employees are entitled to paid days off. Absence of essential legal documentation, like contracts and social security, which companies frequently avoid, including workers' rights. In addition, there are insufficient occupational safety regulations that guarantee a safer and better working environment for employees.