Ahmed Ehab Gamal El-Din, Egypt's permanent representative to the United Nations Office at Geneva, said the new National Strategy for Human Rights highlights the right of citizens to participation in the political life and formation of political parties. This right, which has been enshrined in various legislations issued since 2014, guarantees civilian and political rights and leads to the building of a state of law that befits Egypt and the people, he stressed. Gamal El-Din made his remarks during the launch by President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi of Egypt's National Strategy for Human Rights at an event in the New Administrative Capital. He noted that the strategy also aims to continue efforts exerted by religious institutions to renew the religious discourse. The strategy also contributes to the promotion and development of public awareness of the culture of practicing all forms of peaceful assembly, Gamal El-Din added. The strategy seeks to consolidate the values of citizenship and create societal awareness of the importance of respecting religious freedoms, he said. It also works on ensuring the continuation of the work of the committee tasked with legalizing the status of churches, Gamal El-Din said. The strategy aims to build skills and capabilities of political parties' cadres for leadership, he added. Gamal El-Din said that Egypt's draft new labour law, set to be discussed by the parliament in October, could represent a beginning for a strong partnership between the state and the civil society. The new labour law reflects the state's commitment to the enhancement and protection of the work of civil society organizations as a key partner in protecting human rights, he said.
