UNAMI marks Human Rights Day and the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights with an art exhibition and film screening event in Baghdad

UNAMI’s Human Rights Office, in collaboration with the Babylon Film Institute and Tarkib Organisation for Arts and Culture, held a human rights arts exhibition and film screening to mark the 75th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

The artworks and films exhibited at the event provided innovative and insightful perspectives on a range of critical human rights topics affecting not just Iraq but countries around the world, these included the impact of climate change, violence against women, the situation of youth, the rights of children, the rights of persons with disabilities and other pressing human rights concerns.

During the event, which was attended by government officials [including from the High Judicial Council and the Parliamentary Human Rights Committee], representatives of the diplomatic community, civil society organisations and the Iraqi High Commission for Human Rights, participants met with artists to discuss their work and interacted with the filmmakers and representatives of the Babylon Film Institute through a question-and-answer session.

Speaking at the event, Ms. Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq and Head of UNAMI, stated:

“The exhibits and films on display shed light on topics which impact the rights of people, not just in Iraq, but across the globe. As the saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words. And I am convinced that today’s exhibit can help to expand our understanding of persistent human rights challenges. And importantly, it can inspire us all to do more to place human rights front and centre in our work and daily lives”.