UoD, September 10, 2026 | University Press Office (UNPO) — The University of Duhok (UOD), through the Legal Clinic at the College of Law, in cooperation with the Duhok Office of the Independent Human Rights Commission in the Kurdistan Region, organized a symposium on the causes, consequences, and possible solutions to the growing phenomenon of begging on September 10, 2026.

Held at the UOD Cultural and Social Center, the symposium brought together representatives of governmental, security, judicial, legal, religious, and social institutions, alongside academics, specialists, business owners, and media professionals. The diverse participation highlighted the need for coordinated and community-based approaches to addressing the issue.

The event was attended by Dr. Aveen Khalid Abdulrahman, Dean of the College of Law; Dr. Ary Arif Abdulaziz, Director of the Legal Clinic; and Mr. Diler Abdullah, Director of the Human Rights Office in Duhok, along with Judge and Public Prosecutor Hakim Arshad Tahir and representatives of several relevant institutions.

Understanding the Causes and Consequences

In his opening remarks, Dr. Ary Arif Abdulaziz highlighted the objectives of the symposium and the role of the Legal Clinic in addressing contemporary social challenges through legal and academic perspectives.

Dr. Aveen Khalid Abdulrahman discussed the social impact of the increasing visibility of begging and emphasized that addressing the phenomenon requires shared ethical, legal, and social responsibility. She stressed the importance of cooperation among institutions in developing effective responses.

For his part, Mr. Diler Abdullah reviewed the Human Rights Office’s previous activities and raised concerns about the exploitation of vulnerable individuals, particularly children, and its potential impact on community safety and social stability.

Towards Coordinated Solutions

The symposium also provided a platform for shopkeepers and business owners to share challenges they face in commercial areas. From a judicial perspective, Public Prosecutor Hakim Arshad Tahir explained the legal dimensions of the issue and noted that addressing begging cannot rely solely on punitive measures. Instead, it requires coordinated efforts involving government institutions, law enforcement, legal professionals, religious institutions, civil society, and the community.

The symposium concluded with participants sharing views and recommendations on strengthening the roles of police, legal institutions, media, social specialists, and religious and community organizations in reducing the phenomenon and addressing its underlying causes.

Supporting UOD’s Strategic Priorities

The initiative reflects UOD’s commitment to community engagement, social responsibility, interdisciplinary collaboration, and addressing real challenges facing society. It also supports the university’s strategic direction of connecting academic expertise with community needs and fostering partnerships with public institutions and stakeholders.

Through activities such as the Legal Clinic, UOD continues to provide platforms for dialogue, knowledge exchange, and practical engagement on issues affecting human rights, social wellbeing, and community development.

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University Press Office, September 14, 2026
Report: Rondik Fadhil Adil, yasin Ismael Abdullah
Photography: Ali Habib Habib

The Keywords:
University of Duhok, begging in Duhok, College of Law UOD, Legal Clinic, human rights Kurdistan Region