The aim of the present report is to give an overview of the Iraqi education system and the major issues confronting it, on the basis of the Organisation’s own observations in

the country, the data collected and analysis of other sources. The observations weremade prior to the conflict of March 2003. Subsequent to this conflict it is to be expected that there is an even greater deterioration of the situation, due to the disruption of administrative services and damage to infrastructure as reported by the

international media. Some of the 90 UNESCO national staff under the Oil for Food Programme who remain in the country confirm the magnitude of the problem.

This situation analysis, after an overview of the education system and identifying critical issues needing to be addressed, recommends urgent actions aimed at

mobilising support for the rehabilitation, reconstruction and renewal of the education system. Information on the general structure, organisation, management, financing

and curriculum, is followed by a brief review of each sub-sector, namely pre-primary, primary, secondary, vocational/technical, teacher training, non-formal and higher

education.