About Us
The Human Rights and Medical Ethics Unit at Al‑Kindy College of Medicine is an active unit dedicated to promoting a culture of human rights and strengthening the values of coexistence and tolerance within academic and clinical settings. Since its establishment, the Unit has adopted a balanced scholarly and awareness‑raising approach aimed at embedding respect for human dignity, equality, and social justice among students, staff, patients, and their families—while fostering a safe learning and care environment that upholds confidentiality, respect, and non‑discrimination.
Aligned with the directives of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, the Unit incorporates human‑rights requirements into the first‑year core curriculum and expands the content to address medical‑ethics themes—including informed consent, confidentiality, health equity, caring for vulnerable groups, disclosure of errors, and a just culture. At advanced stages, the Unit covers research ethics, participant protection, data management, and responsible publication.
The Unit also conducts awareness programs, specialized workshops, and discussion circles that reinforce compassionate professional behavior; affirm the rule of law; and reject violence and authoritarianism—developing critical awareness among students and healthcare teams.
Partners and Coordination
he Unit coordinates with the Quality Assurance Division, Medical Education Unit, Student Guidance (Advising) Unit, and the Media & Public Relations Division to ensure policy and procedure alignment, effective and confidential complaint/feedback channels, and an educational and clinical experience that embodies human dignity in every academic and clinical interaction.
In addition, a Community Support and Human Rights Committee operates within the college, composed of student members. Its main activities include:
- Raising community and child awareness about physical and sexual abuse against children.
- Raising community awareness about the psychological harms of early marriage for underage girls.
- Increasing students’ awareness of mental health and the psychological challenges they may face.
- Educating women on family‑size planning and providing health education on family‑planning methods.
Core Areas of Work
- Patient Rights: Informed consent; privacy and confidentiality; the right to information, refusal, and a second opinion.
- Professional Ethics: Non‑discrimination; compassionate communication; conflicts of interest; acceptance of gifts.
- Safety and Quality of Care: Learning from errors; just culture; disclosure of adverse events.
- Research Ethics: Institutional approvals; protection of participants; data management; responsible publication.
- Health Justice: Fair access to services; consideration for gender and persons with disabilities.
- Safe Academic Environment: Anti‑bullying and anti‑harassment; clear reporting and protection mechanisms.
Services Provided by the Unit
- Teaching human‑rights requirements and integrating medical ethics across the study pathway.
- Accredited workshops and courses for students, trainees, and faculty members.