For Iraq’s Christians, Archbishop Warda says long-term stability requires jobs

Archbishop Bashar Warda of Erbil said that providing jobs and professional training is essential for Christians in Iraq to remain in their historic homeland. Speaking at the Catholic University of Erbil, Warda told ACI MENA that while security is important, long-term stability for these communities depends on whether younger generations can find meaningful work and build stable lives.

Warda noted that economic pressures are particularly difficult for Christian communities because their numbers have declined significantly in recent decades, making them more vulnerable. He identified the structure of the Iraqi economy as a barrier, noting that government spending and public-sector employment dominate while the private sector does not generate enough sustainable jobs for the growing workforce.

World Bank data shows Iraq has an unemployment rate of 15.5% and a labor force participation rate of approximately 38%. The country faces additional pressure because people between the ages of 15 and 29 make up about 29% of the population. Furthermore, Iraq's heavy reliance on oil, which accounts for roughly 88% of government revenue and 91% of merchandise exports, affects its ability to create diverse employment.