Art is considered one of the most refined forms of human expression and one of the most powerful tools for touching the collective conscience. Its role is not limited to aesthetics alone; rather, it extends to fulfilling an active humanitarian and cultural function in defending fundamental values and rights. From this perspective, art has emerged as an influential means of protecting human rights, due to its ability to convey humanitarian messages, expose violations, and build social awareness around issues of freedom, dignity, and justice. Throughout history, art has been closely connected to humanity’s existential concerns, serving as a witness to suffering, hope, and aspiration. In the visual arts, artists have depicted images of oppression, injustice, and war, expressing the pain of victims through a visual language capable of transcending linguistic and cultural barriers. In theater, cinema, and literature, artistic works have become critical platforms that reveal human rights violations and call for resistance against tyranny, while defending freedom of expression and equality. Art is distinguished by its indirect yet profound influence, as it stirs emotions and evokes empathy, making it an effective means of transforming awareness and social behavior. A work of art does not impose a direct discourse; rather, it opens horizons for contemplation and dialogue, encouraging audiences to reconsider taken-for-granted assumptions and to sense the suffering of others. In this way, art contributes to embedding a culture of human rights within society. Art also plays a significant role in empowering marginalized groups by providing them with space for self-expression and for conveying silenced voices. Through art, women, children, minorities, and refugees are able to narrate their experiences and suffering, transforming them into influential humanitarian narratives that call for justice and recognition. In this sense, art itself becomes a human rights practice, reinforcing the right to expression and cultural participation. The role of art in protecting human rights intersects with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, which calls for the promotion of just and inclusive societies, ensuring access to justice, and building institutions that respect human rights. Art contributes to spreading the values of peace, rejecting violence, and fostering dialogue and tolerance, thereby supporting the development of a social consciousness that rejects violations and demands justice. In conclusion, art is not a cultural luxury but a form of soft power that plays an effective role in protecting human rights and safeguarding human dignity. Through its capacity for expression, influence, and awareness-building, art forms a bridge between creativity and humanity, contributing to the realization of a more just and peaceful world in line with the humanitarian vision of sustainable development..Almustaqbal University, The First University in Iraq .