Latest news with #NationalCouncilforHumanRights
Mada
2 days ago
- 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
3 days ago
- 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
El Chorouk
11-05-2025
- Politics
- El Chorouk
UN Mandela Prize 2025: Makhzen's Nomination, A Moral and Political Farce
Moroccan human rights activists and journalists considered their country's nomination for the 2025 United Nations Nelson Mandela Human Rights Prize a 'moral and political scandal and an official whitewash of its dark criminal record.' They called for the nomination to be withdrawn to preserve the credibility of the UN international institution. In an article titled 'Morocco's Nomination for the Mandela Prize… When the Executioner Demands the Victim's Medal,' Moroccan blogger and human rights activist Mohamed Kandil said, 'Morocco's nomination for this prize is yet another farce added to the archive of official impudence of the Makhzen regime.' He added, 'When Morocco nominates itself for the Nelson Mandela Prize, it's as if the Makhzen is asking the world to believe that mass graves, secret prisons, and torture chambers are merely transient human rights violations.' He emphasised in this context that 'the National Council for Human Rights in Morocco, whose president, Amina Bouayach, was nominated for this prize, has become nothing more than a human rights polishing arm for the repressive apparatus. How can it now be presented to the world as the face of human rights in Morocco after all that it has done to the Rif movement, journalists, and political prisoners?' He emphasized that 'the Makhzen regime does not represent the people or the victims, but rather is merely a security institution adept at public relations at international forums.' He explained in this context that 'Amina Bouayach is neither an activist nor an independent woman, but rather a mere intelligence agent, recruited within the official propaganda network, called upon when necessary to endorse the crimes of the Makhzen state, distort the reports of international organizations, and cover up the various forms of torture in the country.' He asked sarcastically, 'Who's the Mandela that Morocco wants to emulate? Is he Mandela, who spent 27 years in prison for defending dignity and freedom? Or the Mandela of the Makhzen, who imprisons activists on 27 fabricated charges in a 27-minute sham trial?' The Moroccan human rights activist believes that Morocco's nomination for this prize is a 'moral and political scandal,' adding, 'Awarding Morocco this prize is an official whitewash of a dark record and a slap in the face of every prisoner of conscience, every mother who lost her son under torture, and every Moroccan who was displaced or persecuted for daring to say no to injustice, tyranny, and corruption.' For his part, Moroccan writer and journalist Ali Lahrouchi wrote in an article that 'Morocco's nomination for this prize is an insult to United Nations institutions, as the Nelson Mandela Prize is a global recognition of human commitment to principles, values, and ethics, the prioritization of the public interest over personal interest, transcending vengeful thinking, and remaining patient and steadfast in adhering to principles…' Ali Lahrouchi asserted that Morocco 'is still living in the Middle Ages,' asking, 'What has changed in Morocco for Amina Bouayach to be nominated for the prize of Nelson Mandela, the courageous fighter?' In this regard, he emphasized that 'everyone who criticized, opposed, or commented on the backward practices in Morocco was subjected to assassination, kidnapping, torture, arrest, marginalization, and retaliation through the use and subjugation of all relevant institutions, starting with the intelligence, security, gendarmerie, judiciary, and prisons, to silence all voices opposing or criticizing the dictatorial policies pursued in Morocco.' Hence, he confirmed, 'Morocco's history is replete with all forms of human rights violations and abuses, and its mere nominating it for this prize is an insult to the freedom fighter Nelson Mandela.' He warns that Morocco's victory 'will be the last nail in the coffin of the United Nations and its institutions, which will never receive any respect.' In turn, human rights activist and former prisoner Saida el-Alami wondered, 'Morocco is submitting its nomination for the Nelson Mandela Human Rights Prize? What rights exactly, when Moroccan citizens enjoy no political, civil, or economic rights?' In her remarks, el-Alami addressed the suffering of the Moroccan people due to the Makhzen's policies in various sectors and their lack of the most basic rights that guarantee a decent life. She highlighted the worsening deterioration of human rights in the Kingdom, in light of the judiciary's use of retaliation against opponents, fabricating charges against human rights activists, and violating the rights of detainees in police stations and prison cells. The Moroccan human rights activist concluded her remarks by saying, 'I don't understand the basis on which Morocco was nominated for this prize. If Nelson Mandela were alive, he would have cancelled this award as long as the enemies of humanity continue to nominate it.'
Middle East
11-05-2025
- Business
- Middle East
OPEN// PM: President Sisi placed social protection as backbone of new republic
CAIRO, May 11 (MENA) - Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouli on Sunday said that President Abdel Fattah El Sisi made the social protection the backbone of the new state structure, making "Takaful and Karama" (Solidarity and Dignity) program one of the world's most prominent and successful cash support programs. Madbouli was addressing a ceremony held to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the launch of the 'Takaful and Karama' program, under the theme 'Social protection: Lessons from the past guiding the future.' The event was attended by a host of ministers, governors, lawmakers, the head of the National Council for Human Rights, Lebanon's minister of social affairs, the EU Ambassador to Egypt, a number of European ambassadors in Cairo, representatives of the World Bank, UN agency officials, a host of university presidents, and partners of the program. 'In a moment of pride and honor, I am pleased to welcome you all to this occasion where we celebrate ten years since the launch of one of the greatest social protection programs in modern Egyptian history: the Takaful and Karama program. This initiative embodies the Egyptian state's approach to achieving social protection for its citizens and reflects its vision of supporting the most vulnerable groups,' the premier said in his speech. 'Over these ten years, the Egyptian state has kept its promise of solidarity, dignity, and of leaving no one behind," Madbouli said, adding that since June 30, 2013, Egypt has spared no effort in protecting its people from poverty and deprivation. The Takaful and Karama program was launched at a pivotal moment when the country was rebuilding its institutions and embarking on a highly challenging economic reform process, he said. 'Today, we are not only celebrating a cash support program, but also a new philosophy in state governance," Madbouli said. "The program has expanded in an unprecedented way, from less than two million beneficiaries and a budget of no more than EGP five billion, allocations for the program reached about EGP 41 billion in the 2024-2025 fiscal yea, up from EGP 24 billion in the previous year 2023-2024," the premier said. (MENA) A A E/M O H
Al-Ahram Weekly
01-05-2025
- Politics
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Criminal Procedures Law approved - Egypt - Al-Ahram Weekly
Following three years of preparation and five months of extensive discussions, parliament finally approved the 544-article Criminal Procedures Law on Tuesday. The bill — which sets out the procedures for investigating, prosecuting, and trying criminal cases — received semi-final approval on 24 February. Speaker Hanafi Gebali said the law would be finalised only after a thorough and legal revision. The law includes six sections which cover criminal prosecution, evidence collection, courts, appeals, enforcement, and international judicial cooperation over criminal matters. The law, which initially consisted of 540 articles, gained four new articles during the debate. One gave the justice minister the authority to issue executive orders to implement the law, and another that annuls capital punishment when reconciliation is accepted by the victims' family, in accordance with Islamic Sharia. Gebali said that for decades, legislative stagnation had affected criminal procedures 'and during those decades numerous efforts have attempted to formulate a modern law for Egypt that is worthy of the aspirations of its people, but they have stumbled repeatedly. The current parliament is credited with having breathed the spirit of change into outdated texts, redrafting them to keep pace with modern times and which respond to the needs of society.' Gebali explained how the drafting of the law began with the formation of a subcommittee, a unique parliamentary precedent, consisting of MPs, officials, and legal specialists. 'This committee changed into a vibrant workshop and its door was opened to listen to views from all ideological backgrounds because it honestly believes that constructive dialogue leads to balanced and credible legislation,' he said. Representatives from the Bar Association, the National Council for Human Rights, the Senate, and the Interior Ministry took part in the debates. Gebali added that 'we do not claim perfection in drafting and discussing this law because we know that it will have to be amended every now and then to be in line with changing times.' Justice Minister Adnan Al-Fangari described the approval of the new law as a defining moment in the history of Egypt because it preserves constitutional rights, serves the interests of society, and affirms commitment to its security and stability. 'It also guarantees fair trials, reinforces respect of human rights and reduces the length of pretrial detention,' Al-Fangari said. Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Mahmoud Fawzi said the final approval of the new law should be viewed as an exceptional moment in the history of Egypt's legal and parliamentary system. 'The new legislation will replace the law which has been in place since 1951, thanks in large part to cooperation between the government and parliament,' Fawzi said. The Criminal Procedures Law included a number of articles that sparked widespread controversy among lawyers, journalists, judges and the National Dialogue's Board of Trustees. Most of the criticism was directed at Article 123 which relates to pretrial detention. The Press Syndicate proposed that pretrial detention be revoked altogether in favour of alternatives such as electronic surveillance and house arrest. The proposal was rejected by Justice Ministry consultants as 'impractical'. Minister Al-Fangari said Article 123 includes guarantees that excessive and indefinite use of pretrial detention will not be used and that it meets the demands of civil society. The final draft of Article 123 reduces the maximum period of pretrial detention for misdemeanours from four to six months, for felonies from 12 to 18, and for crimes that carry the death penalty or life imprisonment from 18 to 24 months. Article 523 was another sticking point. It states that individuals wrongly detained pending trial are entitled to financial compensation from the government but stipulates that individuals seeking compensation have not been detained pending trial in other cases and have been acquitted of all charges. Three articles — 79, 80, and 82 — also triggered a backlash. The articles allow prosecutors, after obtaining permission from a judge, to issue an order to seize all letters, messages, telegrams, newspapers, publications, and parcels, and to order the monitoring of wired and wireless communications, social media accounts and applications and their various contents that are not available to everyone, emails, text messages, and audio and video messages, and to place specific mobile phones, electronic websites and other technical devices under surveillance, and to make recordings of conversations that take place in private. The orders to seize, view, monitor or record must be for a period not exceeding 30 days. The judge may renew this period for one or more similar periods. Fawzi argued that these articles were necessary because they are considered useful measures in revealing the truth in a felony or misdemeanour. According to Fawzi, the bill includes articles that protect private lives and guarantee personal freedoms. First, he said, the law explicitly stipulates that homes are inviolable and may be entered, searched, monitored, and eavesdropped only after obtaining a judicial order specifying the place, time and purpose thereof. 'The law does not give police officers free reign to search homes,' said Fawzi. He indicated that for the first time the law allows the use of technology to notify defendants of legal proceedings and conduct remote trials. A telephone notification centre with the jurisdiction of each district court affiliated with the Justice Ministry will be established and linked to the Civil Status Sector to send telephone and electronic notifications, a step that represents a breakthrough in the judicial system in Egypt. The law also restricts the authority of travel ban orders to be within the jurisdiction of the public prosecutor or his deputy, or the competent investigating judge. It stipulates that the ban order be issued with reasons for a specific period. Individuals will also have the right to appeal the order while the court should adjudicate it within a period not exceeding 15 days from the date of it being reported. The law also provides effective legal protection for witnesses, informants, experts, victims and defendants, and adding further guarantees for the right to a defence by establishing the principle of no trial without a lawyer, which allows each defendant to have a lawyer present. In the event that there is no lawyer, the draft law obliges the investigating or trial authority to appoint a lawyer to defend the defendant at all stages of investigation and trial, activating the protection of the rights of women and children and providing the necessary assistance to people with disabilities and the elderly. * A version of this article appears in print in the 1 May, 2025 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
