Latest news with #NationalCouncilforHumanRights
Morocco World
02-07-2025
- Politics
- Morocco World
Amina Bouayach Hails Amazigh Toumliline Village as a Model Space for Cultural Dialogue
Rabat – The Mohammed VI Foundation for the Promotion of Social Works in Education and Training hosted yesterday a screening of the documentary 'The Accepted… Guests of Toumliline.' Organized by the National Council for Human Rights (CNDH) in collaboration with the Memory for the Future Foundation, the film focuses on the historical and cultural significance of the small Amazigh village of Toumliline . Located near the city of Azrou in Morocco's Middle Atlas Mountains, Toumliline — meaning 'White Stones' in Amazigh — the town became a hub for non-institutional, cross-cultural, and interfaith dialogue in 1952. From 1956 to 1966, the Toumliline Monastery hosted the International Meeting of Toumliline, welcoming participants from Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas, as well as from diverse religions and philosophical traditions. Several important national figures attended the screening, which featured opening remarks contextualizing both the film and the legacy of Toumliline. Amina Bouayach , President of the National Council for Human Rights, shared her reflections on these unique gatherings, describing them as 'a source of inspiration for how to build a non-institutional model of cultural dialogue.' 'Toumliline, which we wish to share with the National Council for Human Rights, was a space for discussion and dialogue, where diverse ideas, cultures, and civilizations came together,' said Bouayach . 'It allowed for open, and sometimes contradictory or opposing, conversations. Yet, it contributed to the construction of a collective memory, not only for Moroccans but also for the international community.' Bouayach went on to highlight the importance of these exchanges, stating: 'These dialogues and cultural interactions helped establish what I personally call the 'universal memory of peoples' and the shared desire to live based on common ground, moving away from the forces that divide society.' She concluded by affirming the continuing relevance of Toumliline's spirit: 'Today, we believe the Council is in urgent need of spaces like Toumliline, both within the Kingdom of Morocco and globally.' The documentary serves not only as a historical account but also as a call to reflect on how spaces of tolerance, coexistence, and active citizenship can shape collective and universal memories. Tags: Amina BouayachCNDHToumliline
Al-Ahram Weekly
02-07-2025
- Politics
- Al-Ahram Weekly
NCHR welcomes int'l human rights recommendations for Egypt - Foreign Affairs
The National Council for Human Rights (NCHR) welcomed the international recommendations presented to Egypt as a vital opportunity to reinforce the country's commitment to the international human rights framework and foster a culture of transparency, accountability, and institutional reform. This came during the NCHR's participation in the session on the adoption of Egypt's Universal Periodic Review (UPR) outcome, held during the 59th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva. During the session, Ambassador Mahmoud Karem, chair of the NCHR, noted that the legal frameworks governing public freedoms, particularly freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, must continue to evolve under the Egyptian constitution and relevant international human rights conventions. He also stressed the importance of enabling journalists and media professionals to work freely in a safe and pluralistic civic space. This should be supported by constitutional guarantees and the rule of law, ensuring the free flow of information and promoting diversity in public discourse. Moreover, the NCHR reaffirmed its support for a comprehensive review of the death penalty. It advocated for limiting its application to the most serious crimes, stressing that it should be executed in full compliance with fair trial guarantees. It also called for a substantial review of the Code of Criminal Procedure to adopt a more comprehensive and rights-based approach to addressing allegations of torture, reinforcing a national culture that does not tolerate impunity. Furthermore, the NCHR stressed the urgency of reforming the criminal justice system by reducing pretrial detention periods and institutionalizing alternative legal measures, an issue previously highlighted in the council's policy paper submitted to the National Dialogue sessions. It also urged rigorous judicial oversight of detention facilities and accountability for those involved in any violations within these facilities. As part of its long-term vision, the NCHR recommended extending Egypt's National Human Rights Strategy to 2030. The proposed extension should be based on clearly defined implementation mechanisms, measurable quantitative and qualitative indicators, and inclusive partnerships with all stakeholders, including executive, legislative, and judicial branches, as well as civil society organizations. Such a framework would facilitate continuous evaluation, institutional development, and evidence-based policymaking. The NCHR also highlighted the need to amend its founding law to enhance its independence and respond constructively to the observations previously presented by the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions. It confirmed that it had submitted a formal report outlining the steps already taken to reinforce its independence and operational effectiveness as Egypt's national human rights institution. Additionally, it renewed its call for establishing an independent national anti-discrimination commission, an initiative it previously proposed as part of its broader agenda to promote equality, social justice, and empowerment of marginalized communities. Ambassador Karem also highlighted the importance of continuing to modernize Egypt's legal and institutional frameworks to protect human rights, ensuring complete alignment with the country's international obligations and constitutional principles. He reaffirmed the NCHR's unwavering commitment to advancing the new recommendations and collaborating closely with both domestic and global partners to enhance Egypt's human rights trajectory. "Egypt's active engagement in the Universal Periodic Review process represents a genuine opportunity to foster a robust culture of human rights, strengthen national capacity, and achieve significant progress in this essential area of governance and reform," he concluded. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Morocco World
25-06-2025
- Politics
- Morocco World
Moroccan Human Rights Leader Amina Bouayach Drives Africa's Zero Torture Mission
Rabat — Morocco's head of the National Council for Human Rights (CNDH) Amina Bouayach brings a bold vision to Cape Verde this week: an Africa completely free of torture. The leader of the African Network of National Preventive Mechanisms Against Torture, she guides representatives from 15 African nations in pursuit of this ambitious goal. 'Zero torture is not just a slogan — it's a practical goal we aim to achieve through prevention mechanisms, transparency, and responsible use of technology,' Bouayach said in her opening speech of the two-day conference in Praia. From Marrakech to around the continent Bouayach launched this continental effort in Marrakech in 2023, where African nations signed the foundational 'Marrakech Declaration.' Cape Town hosted the second conference in 2024, building institutional capacity. Now, Praia marks the third annual gathering, focusing specifically on 'Technology and Torture Prevention.' The network's permanent secretariat operates from Morocco under Bouayach's guidance, chosen by member states to coordinate continental anti-torture efforts. 'After the foundational Marrakech meeting and Cape Town's capacity-building focus, the Praia conference continues our institutional development toward an integrated African vision for torture prevention,' she explained. Technology meets human rights This year's conference breaks new ground by examining how digital tools can strengthen prevention efforts. Sessions will explore using technology during facility visits, report preparation, and capacity building for national mechanisms. Bouayach focused on the need for balance, saying: 'We must use technology responsibly,' pointing out concerns about data protection and individual privacy in human rights work. African solutions philosophy Bouayach's approach centers on homegrown solutions rather than imported models. 'Africa doesn't need to copy anyone — it needs to create its own solutions,' she said. 'Our initiative is African… from Africa for Africa's benefit… by African hands for all Africans.' The conference includes participants from Morocco, Cape Verde, Senegal, South Africa, Niger, Benin, Burkina Faso, Togo, Tunisia, Rwanda, Madagascar, Mali, Mauritania, Mozambique, and Nigeria. International organizations, including the UN Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture and the African Commission on Human and Peoples Rights, are also participating. During the Cape Verde meeting, the network will adopt internal regulations, select an East Africa representative, and announce next year's host country. 'Organizing our conference this year is another step in our effort to contribute to building a more humane future for Africa together,' Bouayach concluded. Her leadership transforms the fight against torture from individual national efforts into a coordinated continental movement, positioning Africa to lead global human rights innovation through technology and cooperation. Tags: Amina Bouayachhuman rightsZero torture
Mada
02-06-2025
- Politics
- Mada
Former rights council member: Moushira Khattab's resignation is ‘belated attempt' to sidestep poor performance
Moushira Khattab has stepped down as president of the National Council for Human Rights (NCHR) as she intends to pursue a role at an international institution, the council announced on Sunday. Former council member Nasser Amin, however, described the move to Mada Masr as a belated attempt by Khattab to 'wash her hands' of what he said was the council's worst performance in two decades. The council was reconstituted by presidential decree in 2021, as the government worked to stage a shift in how it handles rights and political representation, launching a national human rights strategy, reopening the council, which is tasked with nominating prisoners to the president for amnesty among other roles, and beginning the National Dialogue as a forum for political dialogue. In a phone call with Mada Masr, Khattab declined to comment on the statement or name the international institution she intends to join. A source close to the former council head, however, denied to Mada Masr that her resignation had nothing to do with Khattab's future career plans. Since Khattab has already had a long career, an international appointment is unlikely, the source continued. They described her resignation instead as a long overdue development, adding that through her four-year tenure on the council Khattab has repeatedly voiced frustration over her inability to effect meaningful change in any of its human rights working files. The source cited Khattab's repeated but unsuccessful attempts to amend the law that governs the council in order to elevate its international ranking, as well as several requests she made to visit prisons which were ultimately rejected. Prison visits are permitted rarely, and often only to limited areas of specific facilities under authorities' supervision. The source put the lack of achievements down to the council's political position, describing it as lacking any real leverage. Its recommendations are often ignored, they added. Khattab was also increasingly troubled by the frequent criticism directed at her from various circles, the source said. Amin, who also heads the Arab Center for the Independence of Judiciary and Legal Professions, warned that the council is very likely to face a downgrade in its international ranking by the end of the year, citing its lack of independence and retreat from its monitoring and advocacy role. 'The talk of her seeking an international post is more wishful thinking than reality,' he said. On November 20 last year, the Sub-Committee on Accreditation (SCA) at the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) recommended the council be downgraded to B status, raising serious concerns about its compliance with the Paris Principles — particularly in terms of its independence, effectiveness and transparency. The SCA flagged the lack of transparency and public participation in the appointment of council members — who are selected by the executive arm of the government — as a factor undermining the body's autonomy and ability to operate free from government interference. It also criticized the council's inadequate response to major human rights concerns, including torture, enforced disappearances, conditions of arbitrary detention, as well as with regard to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association. The committee also called for sweeping reforms to bring the council in line with the Paris Principles, including measures to reinforce its independence, amend its appointment mechanism, improve its response to human rights violations and ensure regular distribution of public reports for civil society and other actors to access. Khattab has previously pushed back against claims that the council lacks independence. In a televised interview in September 2024, she said the council had submitted a request for a presidential pardon for writer and activist Alaa Abd El Fattah, but claimed that the council had been drawn into the issue of its pending downgrade by a complaint questioning the council's independence filed by the writer's father-in-law, prominent human rights advocate Bahey Eddin Hassan. Domestic and international calls are currently mounting for President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to pardon the detained activist and writer — whose mother is now hospitalized in critical condition 246 days into a hunger strike. Khattab had confined her efforts as council head to 'safe zones,' Amin said. She focused on awareness-raising and human rights education while steering clear of applying legal and human rights standards to document violations. Instead, he added, she echoed the narrative advanced by the state and its security agencies. The constitution grants the NCHR the power to represent victims in court — a power exercised by previous iterations of the council, including in the case of activist Shaimaa al-Sabbagh's killing. The current council, however, has ignored this mandate, which Amin said was a hard-earned achievement of earlier efforts. Vice President Mahmoud Karem assumed Khattab's responsibilities as of Saturday, the council's statement said, and he will continue in the role until its term ends on December 27. Sisi reconstituted the council under Khattab's leadership in December 2021 for a four-year term. Under recent amendments to the law governing the NCHR, the House of Representatives is permitted to begin forming a new council two months ahead of the current term's expiration. Nominations are to be submitted by universities, syndicates and other institutions, after which the president and members are selected and approved via presidential decree.
See - Sada Elbalad
01-06-2025
- Politics
- See - Sada Elbalad
Khattab Resigns as Human Rights Council Chief
By Ahmad El-Assasy The National Council for Human Rights announces that Ambassador Moushira Khattab has submitted her resignation from the position of President of the Council, effective Saturday, May 31, 2025, due to her desire to seek a position within an international organization. In her resignation letter, Ambassador Khattab expressed her sincere gratitude and deep appreciation to the political leadership for approving the nomination put forward by the House of Representatives in 2021, which led to her appointment as President of the Council. She also affirmed her full confidence in the current composition of the Council, which, she stated, comprises a distinguished group of experts and professionals in the field of human rights—fully capable of continuing the Council's institutional mission and ensuring its effectiveness and sustainability. Following the submission of her resignation, the necessary legal procedures will be undertaken in accordance with the Council's governing law. Ambassador Mahmoud Karem, Vice President of the Council, will assume the duties of Acting President in accordance with the law, and will lead the Council through the remainder of its current term. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia News Australia Fines Telegram $600,000 Over Terrorism, Child Abuse Content Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Sports Neymar Announced for Brazil's Preliminary List for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Arts & Culture New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks News Shell Unveils Cost-Cutting, LNG Growth Plan
