Human Rights Awareness Central to National Strategy, Says Tarek Radwan

اجتماع لجنة حقوق الإنسان بمجلس النواب.

The Human Rights Committee of the Egyptian Parliament, led by MP Tarek Radwan, convened a meeting with Ambassador Alaa Youssef, the head of the State Information Service. The session also included committee members Yasser El-Hadibi, Mohamed Farid, Ambassador Naela Jebr, George Lawandy, and deputies Marianna Abdel Shahid and Rowan Al-Nahhas to discuss the agency’s efforts in promoting human rights culture and enhancing community awareness of citizenship, equality, and rights as part of the national human rights strategy.

During the meeting, Ambassador Youssef presented a comprehensive overview of the agency’s role in fostering public awareness of human rights and civil liberties. He emphasized that the agency operates from a comprehensive national vision that sees building enlightened community awareness as a fundamental pillar for protecting rights and freedoms and safeguarding national achievements. This aligns with President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi’s directives regarding the development of Egyptian citizens and enhancing national awareness while instilling citizenship values.

The committee received a detailed explanation of the programs and activities implemented by the agency through its internal media centers located across various governorates. These initiatives aim to translate human rights concepts into societal practices and behaviors that promote citizenship values, acceptance of others, and national cohesion. Additionally, they support major presidential initiatives such as “Decent Life” and “Bidaya.”.

Youssef also highlighted the agency’s website as an informational platform that provides citizens and researchers access to official documents related to human rights. It also showcases legislative developments and legal reforms that Egypt has experienced in recent years.

The ambassador reviewed the agency’s research and documentation efforts through its peer-reviewed journal “Studies in Human Rights,” along with making the texts of the national human rights strategy available in both Arabic and English on its digital platforms. This initiative aims to broaden community knowledge regarding the strategy’s objectives and implementation mechanisms.

The committee discussed the role of the press center for foreign correspondents affiliated with the State Information Service in communicating with international media outlets by providing them with verified information regarding various Egyptian issues. They also reviewed how the agency monitors reports concerning human rights situations in Egypt while responding to any inaccurate information based on official facts and data.

Moreover, discussions included efforts to highlight achievements in religious freedoms, establish citizenship principles, empower women politically, economically, and socially, as well as raise awareness about national efforts aimed at combating violence against women and enhancing their participation across different public life sectors.

The meeting featured an extensive dialogue between committee members and Ambassador Youssef. MPs raised several questions regarding how the agency promotes human rights culture while countering misinformation and strengthening communication with international media outlets and public opinion. The ambassador provided comprehensive responses outlining his agency’s vision and future plans for developing awareness tools and media communication strategies.

In conclusion, MP Tarek Radwan reiterated that promoting human rights culture and reinforcing community awareness are key components of implementing the national human rights strategy. He praised the State Information Service for its role in this area as well as its efforts in providing accurate information while enhancing communication with both local and international public opinion. Committee members expressed their appreciation for Ambassador Youssef’s insights which reflected his diplomatic experience as well as his agency’s contributions to supporting Egypt’s efforts to instill citizenship values along with rights and freedoms.