Abstract In 2019 RASHID International examined public spaces in Iraq and their role in the promotion and protection of cultural rights. The report reiterates a key definition of ‘public space’ and analyzes public spaces in connection with their political role, their accessibility to women, families and disabled persons, cultural facilities as public spaces, as well as social media and the wider internet, the ‘virtual public space’. Submitted to the UN Special Rapporteur in the field of cultural rights, it formed part of a study to inform the UN General Assembly in autumn 2019. About RASHID International RASHID International is a worldwide network of archaeologists and cultural heritage experts dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the cultural heritage of Iraq, ancient Mesopotamia. To assist our Iraqi colleagues, we collect and share information, research and expert knowledge, work to raise public awareness, and both develop and execute strategies to protect heritage sites and other cultural property through international cooperation, advocacy and technical assistance. RASHID International is registered as a non-profit organisation in Germany and enjoys charitable tax-exempt status under German law. We are an organisation in special consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council since 2019. Learn more about our work at www.rashid-international.org All of our research is available open access here: https://zenodo.org/communities/rashid-international/