In recognition of the values of freedom and democracy guaranteed by the Iraqi Constitution and law, and under the patronage of the President of the University of Kerbala, Prof. Sabah Wajid Ali(PhD), and the supervision of the Dean of the College of Education for the Humanities, Prof. Hadi Al-Sa’eedi(PhD), Human Rights Unit, in collaboration with the Women’s Affairs Unit, organised the college’s First Annual Human Rights Festival under the slogan “Rights: A Guide to Awareness”, titled “Human Rights in Iraq: Challenges and Sustainable Horizons.” The event was held in Al-Sanhouri Hall at the College of Law.
The festival witnessed broad academic and legal attendees, including representatives from the Office of the High Commission for Human Rights in Karbala, delegates from the Holy Shrines of Imam Hussain and Al-Abbas, the Directorate of Roads and Bridges, various educational institutions, academic staff, and students.
The opening of the festival featured a recitation from the Holy Qur’an, followed by a moment of silence and a recitation of Al-Fatiha in honour of Iraq’s martyrs, and the playing of the Iraqi national anthem. This was followed by remarks from the Dean of the College, delivered on his behalf by the Assistant Dean for Scientific Affairs, Prof. Muyyad Omran Chiad, who emphasised the college’s commitment to human rights, viewing them as an integral part of human dignity. He further highlighted the vital role of educational curricula in promoting and protecting human rights and stressed the importance of formally integrating human rights education into early academic stages to embed these values in future generations.
Notably, the Director of the High Commission for Human Rights in Karbala, Mr. Majid Al-Masoudi, addressed the audience, expressing the Commission’s commitment to expanding initiatives and activities aimed at raising societal awareness of human rights and ensuring a future rooted in justice and equality.
Interestingly, the festival involved a poetic reading by Lect. Qusay Yusuf Thu’ban(PhD), reflecting on the oppression and deprivation of human rights in Gaza, followed by a recitation of a poem by renowned poet Mahmoud Darwish performed by student Israa Al-Masoudi. Additionally, children from Al-ArjawanKindergarten presented a special performance. The festival concluded with the distribution of certificates of appreciation to the participants.
It is worth noting that the festival spans two days and includes lectures, scientific workshops, and awareness-raising competitions aimed at educating students about their rights and responsibilities.
