National Workshop on Human Rights and Academic Institutions

On 20 February 2025, the International Relations and Diplomacy Department at Tishk International University organized a “National Workshop on How Human Rights are Related to Academic and Scientific Institutions, and How Can We Recognize Human Rights?” The workshop aimed at enlightening participants by providing valuable insights into the intersection of human rights and academic institutions, exploring how universities and research centers play a crucial role in promoting and upholding human rights. The Moderator, Mr. Bayad Sarwar Abdullah delivered the welcome address and introduced the distinguished speaker, Mr. Mohammed Saber, Sociologist and Director of Public Awareness and Media at the Independent Human Rights Commission, Kurdistan Region. The workshop included the following sessions:

The distinguished speaker, Mr. Mohammed Saber explained the meaning and essence of human rights and the need for their observance by all actors at the local, regional and international levels, especially by the 193 member states of the United Nations. This is because, human rights, especially the rights to life, property and liberty are universal values that should be protected and promoted by all. Similarly, the right to vote and be voted for, right to assembly, freedom of speech/expression, right to private life and right to human dignity, should also be upheld and guaranteed. The speaker further explained the challenges facing human rights’ observance in the international system, especially for quasi-autonomous regions, such as the Kurdistan Region, given the nature of its relationship with Baghdad in a federal Iraq.

The distinguished speaker also explained the nexus or connection between human rights and academic and scientific institutions. Under this, he explained the strategic importance of these institutions to human rights’ promotion and protection through educating and enlightening the public about the intrinsic and extrinsic benefits of upholding human rights, thus leading to peaceful coexistence, harmony, peace, security and sustainable development in society.

The workshop was attended by about 30 participants, including Tishk International University staff and students. It enabled the participants to know the significance of human rights and their protection and promotion. It also enabled them to know the content, context and role of academic and scientific institutions in human rights’ knowledge impartation and enlightenment. The workshop is in line with SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.

The following recommendations were given by the speaker:

Finally, certificates of appreciation were issued to the distinguished speaker and moderator by the Head of International Relations and Diplomacy Department, Dr. Mohammad Salih Mustafa.