DEIHR Committee | Tishk International University

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Human Rights Committee

(DEIHR Committee)

1. Description

The Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Human Rights Committee (DEIHR Committee) is a central advisory and implementation body at Tishk International University (TIU) responsible for promoting a diverse, inclusive, equitable, and respectful university environment.

The Committee supports the University’s commitment to international principles such as those advocated by the United Nations, particularly in relation to human rights, equality, and non-discrimination, as well as alignment with global frameworks like the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The DEIHR Committee plays a strategic and operational role by advising university leadership, developing policies and procedures, overseeing implementation, and fostering a campus culture that values diversity and upholds human dignity for all members of the university community.

2. Responsibilities

The DEIHR Committee shall:

  • Develop, review, and update policies related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and human rights
  • Advise top management on DEIHR-related strategies and institutional priorities
  • Ensure alignment with national regulations and international best practices
  • Oversee the implementation of DEIHR-related policies, procedures, and initiatives
  • Establish KPIs and monitor performance related to inclusion and equality
  • Prepare periodic reports for university leadership
  • Design and implement training programs on diversity, inclusion, and human rights
  • Promote awareness campaigns and events across campus
  • Support staff and students in developing inclusive practices
  • Promote a respectful, inclusive, and discrimination-free environment
  • Encourage participation of underrepresented groups in academic and campus life
  • Support initiatives that enhance intercultural understanding
  • Provide guidance on addressing discrimination, harassment, or inequality issues (without replacing formal complaint mechanisms)
  • Recommend corrective and preventive actions where needed
  • Collaborate with internal units (HR, Quality Assurance, Student Affairs, etc.)
  • Engage with external organizations and stakeholders on DEIHR matters

3. Composition (Titles of Members)

The DEIHR Committee shall include a balanced representation of academic, administrative, and student members. Suggested composition:

Leadership

  • Chairperson

Core Members

  • Representative from Human Resources Department
  • Representative from Quality Assurance / ISO 21001 Office
  • Representative from Dean of Students Office
  • Representative from Academic Staff (from different faculties)
  • Representative from Administrative Staff
  • Legal Advisor (preferably from the Law Faculty)

Additional Members

  • Student Representative(s) (ensuring diversity)

4. Reporting Line

The DEIHR Committee reports directly to the Rectorate Office and provides periodic updates on progress, challenges, and recommendations.

5. Meetings

  • The Committee shall meet at least once per semester
  • Additional meetings may be held as needed

6. References

6.1. International Conventions, Frameworks, and Standards

The DEIHR Committee should align its work with the following global instruments:

  • Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)
  • International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR)
  • International Covenant on Economic Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR)
  • Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW)
  • International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD)
  • Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD)
  • UNESCO frameworks on inclusive education
  • UNESCO Convention against Discrimination in Education
  • International Labour Organization (ILO) Conventions, particularly:
    • Equal Remuneration Convention (No. 100)
    • Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention (No. 111)
  • United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially:
    • SDG 4 (Quality Education)
    • SDG 5 (Gender Equality)
    • SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities)
    • SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions)

6.2. National and Regional References (Iraq & Kurdistan Region)

The Committee should also operate in compliance with national and regional legal frameworks:

Iraq (Federal Level)

  • Iraqi Constitution (2005) – provisions on equality, human rights, and non-discrimination
  • Iraqi Labour Law No. 37 (2015) – equality and non-discrimination in employment
  • Iraqi Personal Status Law (relevant aspects on rights and protections)

Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI)

  • Kurdistan Region Law on Combating Domestic Violence No. 8 (2011)
  • KRG regulations and ministerial instructions related to gender equality and human rights
  • Policies and directives issued by the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) on inclusion and public sector equality

6.3. Relevant International Academic and Quality Frameworks

To align with higher education standards:

  • European Standards and Guidelines ESG 2015
  • Bologna Process
  • International Association of Universities principles on equity and inclusion
  • ISO 21001 (focus on equitable and inclusive education)

Tishk International University — DEIHR Committee | Promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and human rights