NTM-Iraq Deputy Commanding General, Italian Maj. Gen. Giuseppe Spinelli shakes hands with Iraqi Minister of Human Rights, Mrs. Wijdan SALIM. 23rd July 2009.

BAGHDAD, Iraq, 23rd July 09 – The 10-day International Humanitarian Law Conference on Human Rights concluded here July 23 with more than 30 graduates from various Iraqi ministries more aware of acceptable protocols on the topic.

The conference was the first phase of a more specialized human rights program to come. The certification ceremony was attended by members of the Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Human Rights, Ministry of Justice and the Red Crescent Organization, and was held at the NATO headquarters compound.

Retired Italian Navy Admiral Fernando Sanfelice di Monteforte, told graduates, "I am really satisfied by the results obtained by the attendees. Their particularly active, enthusiastic participation gives a clear idea of the proficiency level achieved."

Italy's Ambassador to Iraq, Maurizio Melani, in his opening comments stressed that, "This successful course is a reason for the Iraqi government to be proud.

"Human Rights are an essential element for the life of the country, a vital prerequisite for peace, security and stability,” Melani continued. Earlier in the conference, Melani told attendees that bringing human rights to Iraq will bring the nation in line with the rest of the world, and participation in the workshop is the best way to validate Iraq's human rights vision.

Iraq Human Rights Minister, Wijdan Salim offered her thanks to Italy, the NATO Training Mission-Iraq organization and the Iraqi Minister of Defence. She added, "I am proud of you who completed the course, the first of its kind (in Iraq).”