Egypt’s government to establish new human rights strategy

CAIRO – 15 November 2017: "Egypt’s human rights report issued by the ministry included both negative and positive aspects," said Minister of Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Omar Marwan.

Marwan’s comments were made in a press conference on Wednesday, where he said that the ministry was keen to reveal the negative aspects in its newly-issued report.

He added that the report tackles human rights in health and society since 2014 to date, adding that the report's final recommendations were handed over to the relevant authorities and ministries.

The report’s main recommendations include forming a committee to set a new human rights strategy for the country during the upcoming period to follow up with the current conditions, and determine what is needed to be adjusted, among legislation guaranteeing better conditions for a human rights framework.

Additionally, a separate unit for human rights will be established within every ministry and governorate to receive civilians’ complaints, and spread the needed awareness among people concerning their rights.

The committee that was recommended to be established will also be responsible for replying to international reports regarding human rights' conditions in Egypt.
From its side, the cabinet has approved the report’s recommendations, including establishing the specialized committee.

Parliamentarian Margret Azer, who was announced as one of the selected members to join the committee, told Egypt Today that this committee should be considered a major step towards democracy. She added that the committee’s first meeting is scheduled for next week.