Planning Ministry Participates in Discussion of Egypt’s First Report on Arab Charter for Human Rights

The Ministry of Planning and Economic Development, represented by its Human Rights Unit, joined the Egyptian delegation to discuss Egypt’s inaugural report before the Arab Charter on Human Rights Committee. This charter, adopted on May 23, 2004, during the sixteenth summit of the Arab League held in Tunisia, was ratified by Egypt in 2019.

Chaired by Counselor Jaber Saleh Al-Murri, the committee discussed the Egyptian report over two days, covering topics such as political and civil rights, economic rights, as well as the rights of women, children, persons with disabilities, youth, and the elderly.

During the committee meeting, Dr. Mohamed Alaa, Deputy Director of the Office of International Cooperation and responsible for the Human Rights Unit at the Ministry of Planning, outlined the ministry’s efforts in preparing the report and the preparatory meetings to address the committee’s inquiries. He highlighted Egypt’s Vision 2030 and how its outcomes are measured, mechanisms for participation and transparency in the preparation and implementation of the state’s general plan, the integration of human rights in strategic planning, and government interventions to measure and combat poverty. He also reviewed the efforts of the Egyptian state within the framework of the “Decent Life” initiative and major projects aimed at improving the living standards of millions of Egyptians.

It is worth noting that the Arab Charter on Human Rights Committee was formed immediately upon the entry into force of the Arab Charter on Human Rights on March 16, 2008. It consists of seven elected experts, in their personal capacities, from the states parties to the Arab Charter. The committee’s mandate includes monitoring and following up on the human rights situation in the member states, assessing their commitment to implementing human rights in accordance with the provisions of the Charter, and taking necessary measures and procedures to enforce these rights. The committee also reviews reports submitted by member states regarding measures taken to enforce the rights stipulated in the Arab Charter on Human Rights.