UNAMI Human Rights Office hosts workshop on diversity as a tool to promote universality of human rights as part of UDHR 75 celebrations

UNAMI Human Rights Office organized an event on diversity as a tool for the promotion and protection of human rights, with a particular focus on minority rights. The workshop was held in Baghdad and brought together 26 representatives (14 males and 12 females, including a PWD) from diverse ethno-religious components, the Prime Minister’s Adviser on component Affairs, representatives from the Religious Endowments and civil society organizations.

The workshop is the last in a series of three, and forms 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 key provisions relating to minority rights, and its importance for the promotion and protection of human rights in Iraq. The event included a panel discussion focused on the topic – “Diversity as a tool to promote universality and indivisibility of human rights”. Participants also proposed strategies for strengthening collaboration among all stakeholders on the promotion and protection of minority rights in Iraq using the UDHR.

In his opening remarks, the Prime Minister’s Adviser on Component Affairs, Mr Nawafal Bahaa, reiterated the commitment of the Government of Iraq to the promotion and protection of minority rights in Iraq.

The representative of the Iraqi High Commission for Human Rights (IHCHR), Mr. Quis Hussein, highlighted some of the challenges facing minorities, explaining that the Commission is working to support the government to achieve human rights for all Iraqis.

Discussions focused on concrete measures and recommendations to strengthen the promotion and protection of minority rights in Iraq.