Under the patronage of Professor Dr. Sabah Munfi Ridha, Dean of the College of Administration and Economics, the Psychological Counseling and Educational Guidance and Human Rights Units, in cooperation with the Hammurabi Human Rights Organization, organized a scientific seminar entitled “Human Rights as a Foundation for Justice and Building Societies.” The seminar aimed to promote awareness of child and women’s rights and to address the phenomenon of violence against women.
The seminar included two main themes. The first theme focused on child rights, with particular emphasis on the exploitation of children in armed conflicts, and was presented by Dr. Mohammed Turki Al-Obaidi. The second theme addressed women’s rights and mechanisms to combat violence against women, delivered by Dr. Pascal Warda.
The session was chaired by Dr. Khalid Abdul Nimal, who praised the quality of the contributions and the level of engagement among participants, highlighting the importance of such events in reinforcing human rights principles within academic and societal contexts.
The seminar also reviewed the key provisions of the 1989 Convention on the Rights of the Child and its two Optional Protocols, particularly those related to protecting children from recruitment in armed conflicts, as well as from sale and sexual exploitation. It further addressed the fundamental principles of the Convention, including non-discrimination, the best interests of the child, the right to survival and development, freedom of expression, and the right to education.
At the conclusion of the seminar, participants recommended:
- Activating national and constitutional legislation to protect children and women.
- Strengthening the role of civil society organizations in promoting human rights awareness.
- Integrating child rights concepts and protection from violence into educational curricula.
- Supporting rehabilitation programs for children affected by armed conflicts and violence.
In closing, the Dean of the College presented certificates of appreciation to the speakers in recognition of their distinguished academic efforts and valuable contributions to the success of the seminar.
