COURSE: Iraqi Women Learn Basic Human Rights

Sixteen employees of the Iraqi Ministry of Interior became the first females to complete a formal MoI Basic Human Rights course here, Oct. 7.

The training, sponsored by the Iraqi Ministry of Human Rights' National Institute for Human Rights, is based upon international law and the Iraqi constitution. Topics included basic principles of human rights, women and children's rights, and the treatment of detainees and their rights.

“Before 2003, Iraq had no training in human rights,” said course attendee Roha Fathy Sabaa Fatlawy, an MoI Women's Rights worker. “This training is very important for the MoI because we have many women working here who do not know their rights under the law.”

“The area of human rights is new for Iraqis, and instruction is critical. This is very important training … most Iraqi women do not know their rights,” said Amal Hussain Salman, a course instructor.

Iraqi officials attending the graduation ceremony stressed the importance of this training for professionals charged with protecting the human rights of the Iraqi people, and asked that the students share what they have learned with their fellow Iraqis.

As Operation New Dawn continues, training such as this reminds Iraqis that basic human rights apply to all, no matter the individual's status.