Baghdad hosts ballet and cultural event for belated Human Rights Day celebration

BAGHDAD — Al-Rasheed Theater in Baghdad hosted a cultural and artistic event on Sunday, organized by the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Antiquities, in a belated celebration of Human Rights Day, traditionally observed on Dec. 10.

The event featured a variety of activities, including traditional singing, live musical performances, ballet dances, an art exhibition showcasing paintings and photographs, and displays of traditional costumes and literary publications from various Iraqi publishing houses.

Deputy Minister of Culture Fadhel Al-Badrani told 964media that the annual event serves as a reminder of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted on Dec. 10, 1948, in Paris and translated into hundreds of languages.

Al-Badrani added, “A person must be free, and institutions must act as defenders of their rights. The ministry has adopted this principle and is more responsible than others in promoting human rights. We emphasize that human rights must remain the ministry’s core guiding principle.”

Hala Bassam, Director of the Music and Ballet School in Baghdad, highlighted the importance of ballet as a rare discipline taught exclusively at their institution in the area, which was established in 1969.

She noted the school’s long-standing contribution to producing talented students in various artistic fields and its consistent participation in both local and international events.

Amer Al-Jubouri, Director of Public Relations and Media at the Ministry of Culture, stated that multiple departments participated in the event, including the Cultural Affairs Department, which showcased works from publishing houses across the country.

The Cultural Affairs Department also presented several cultural publications, including Al-Mawrid magazine, Folk Heritage magazine, Al-Aqlam magazine, Turkmen Culture magazine, and Lamahat, which focuses on social sciences.