UNAMI workshop on diversity as a tool to promote human rights in Kurdistan Region of Iraq

Erbil, 25 July 2023 – The UNAMI Human Rights Office organized an event on diversity as a tool for the promotion and protection of human rights, having a particular focus on minority rights. The workshop in Erbil brought together 27 representatives from the Kurdistan Regional Government, diverse ethno-religious components, and civil society organizations.

The workshop and two others planned for later form part of the Human Rights 75 Initiative celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). Participants discussed the historical background to the adoption of the UDHR, its keys provisions relating to minority rights, and its importance for the promotion and protection of human rights in Iraq. Moreover, a panel discussion focused on the topic – “Diversity as a tool to promote universality and indivisibility of human rights” where participants highlighted strategies for strengthening collaboration among all stakeholders on the promotion and protection of minority rights in the Kurdistan Region.

In his opening remarks, the representative of the KRI Ministry of Endowment and Religious Affairs, Mr. Mariwan Naqshbandi, underscored “the importance of the UDHR to the realization of human rights in the world, and in particular, the human rights of all Iraqis and in ensuring accountability for violations”. The representative of the Iraqi High Commission for Human Rights in KRI, Mr. Faisal Mohammed, highlighted the many efforts undertaken thus far, and emphasized that more needs to be done, especially in the areas of implementation of laws and policy changes relating to Iraq’s components.

As one participating civil activist stated: “I highly appreciate the efforts of UNAMI as it has provided the opportunity for us to discuss, on how to address the many problems minorities in Iraq are facing. I look forward to more such future engagements.”

The event was in line with Sustainable Development Goal 16: Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels.