Introduction

In line with the University of Mosul’s firm belief in its pioneering role in building an enlightened academic community, and in furtherance of the values of justice and human dignity, the Human Rights Division was established as an active and integral component of the university system. The Division seeks to promote and institutionalize human rights principles and to disseminate their culture among students, academic staff, and administrative personnel.

The Division works to support a fair and secure university environment through the organization of awareness programs and purposeful activities, the provision of specialized consultations and training, and active engagement with community issues related to human rights.

Vision

The Human Rights Division at the University of Mosul aspires to become a leading academic and societal reference in the field of human rights, contributing to the creation of a university environment grounded in the principles of justice, equality, and respect. This vision aims to entrench a culture of human rights within the university and to positively impact the surrounding community.

Mission

The Human Rights Division seeks to enhance the culture of human rights within and beyond the university campus through education, training, and academic research, as well as by building effective partnerships. This mission aims to empower individuals based on human dignity and equality and to reinforce the principles of pluralism, tolerance, and justice.

Objectives

  1. To promote awareness of human rights culture among university students, faculty members, and staff.
  2. To organize workshops, seminars, and training courses in the field of human rights.
  3. To monitor and follow up on violations or infringements related to human rights within the university.
  4. To provide legal and academic support and consultations concerning human rights issues.
  5. To support and encourage scientific research in human rights and to enhance related academic studies.
  6. To build cooperative relationships with national and international institutions working in the field of human rights.
  7. To integrate human rights concepts into university activities and administrative practices.

Functions and Duties of the Human Rights Division – University of Mosul

Pursuant to the directives of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Supervision and Scientific Evaluation Apparatus, Letter No. (J Ḥ 4594) dated 24/4/2024, and in accordance with the approved institutional framework for human rights structures in Iraqi universities, the Human Rights Division at the University of Mosul undertakes the following functions and duties:

  1. Proposing policies, plans, and programs aimed at promoting and protecting human rights principles within the university, including students and university personnel (faculty and staff), and coordinating in this regard with relevant entities inside and outside the university.

  2. Receiving human rights–related complaints submitted by students or university personnel, examining and analyzing them, and proposing appropriate solutions in coordination with the competent departments and units. This includes establishing a dedicated database for complaints and related investigative and auditing committees and updating it on a regular basis.

  3. Enhancing legal and human rights awareness within the university community through continuous awareness and educational programs, interactive seminars and workshops, and the dissemination of specialized human rights knowledge materials.

  4. Developing the capacities of Division staff and university personnel by implementing specialized technical and academic training programs, in coordination with relevant entities within and outside the university, thereby strengthening their competencies in human rights and skills in handling rights-related issues.

  5. Strengthening institutional cooperation and partnerships with civil society organizations working in the field of human rights, after obtaining the requisite official approvals from the University Presidency and the concerned authorities.
  6. Preparing and submitting periodic reports on the Division’s activities and achievements and forwarding them to the Supervision and Scientific Evaluation Apparatus / Human Rights Department at the Ministry within the prescribed timeframes.
  7. Contributing to the support of human rights–related academic research by encouraging specialized studies, theses, and research projects, and by providing data and necessary support to interested researchers.

  8. Implementing official tasks and assignments issued by the Supervision and Scientific Evaluation Apparatus / Human Rights Department, or those necessitated by the nature of the Division’s work within the university, in a manner that fulfills its institutional objectives.

Activities

  1. Organizing conferences, seminars, workshops, and activities related to human rights issues, such as equality, non-discrimination, the right to education, and freedom of expression.
  2. Preparing specialized training programs for faculty members and students on mechanisms for the protection of human rights at the national and international levels.
  3. Publishing booklets and awareness materials containing legal information and guidance related to fundamental rights within the university campus.
  4. Participating in national and international campaigns aimed at promoting human rights and social justice.
  5. Encouraging student-led initiatives of a human rights nature and supporting student activities that promote humanitarian values.
  6. Cooperating with research centers and relevant colleges to integrate efforts in supporting human rights research and studies.

Conclusion

The Human Rights Division at the University of Mosul represents a concrete embodiment of the University’s vision to build a humane academic community founded on respect for human dignity and fundamental rights.

Through integrated efforts and institutional support, the Division will remain an effective instrument for disseminating and reinforcing these noble values throughout the university and beyond.

Dr. Saeed Khudeeda Qolo

Head of the Human Rights Division

University of Mosul