International Human Rights Day | Egyptian Center Urges Release of Prisoners of Conscience, Workers’ Rights Protection, and Refugee Support

As the world marks International Human Rights Day on December 10, celebrating the 76th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Egyptian Center for Economic and Social Rights renews its call for meaningful advancements in human rights conditions in Egypt.

Improving Economic Conditions as an Integral Part of Human Rights

The Egyptian Center highlights the profound link between economic conditions and human rights, noting how poverty, unemployment, and declining living standards leave citizens vulnerable to widespread violations of their fundamental rights. Every individual deserves a dignified life, access to quality employment, safe housing, and comprehensive healthcare. The Center urges immediate economic reforms to tackle unemployment, alleviate poverty, curb inflation, and promote financial stability for all citizens.

Strengthening Workers’ Rights and Union Freedoms

Protecting and enhancing workers’ rights is a critical priority. Egyptian workers continue to face significant challenges, including union suppression, arbitrary dismissals, and retaliation for asserting their legitimate rights. The Center calls for repealing restrictive laws on union organization, safeguarding collective bargaining rights, and fostering independent unions. Additionally, it demands the reinstatement of unfairly dismissed workers and legal safeguards against arbitrary termination. The Center further emphasizes the need for expediting labor disputes related to fair wages, enforcing a universal minimum wage aligned with inflation, and ensuring safe working conditions.

Release of Prisoners of Conscience

The Egyptian Center reiterates its demand for the immediate release of all prisoners of conscience detained for expressing their views or engaging in peaceful opposition. Their ongoing detention violates basic freedoms guaranteed by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, including freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. Authorities are urged to end the misuse of pretrial detention as a punitive measure and ensure swift and fair trials.

Moreover, the Center highlights the plight of individuals detained during protests against economic hardships, often labeled “prisoners of poverty.” These individuals are not security threats but are simply voicing their struggles in the face of worsening economic conditions. Their detention undermines their fundamental right to free expression.

Implementing the National Human Rights Strategy

The National Human Rights Strategy, introduced in recent years, requires meaningful implementation to achieve tangible progress. Despite official commitments, the strategy has yet to yield significant impact, with most initiatives failing to improve citizens’ lives. Effective implementation demands concrete measures to uphold the rights of all, especially vulnerable groups such as children, women, and individuals with disabilities.

Restoring Public Freedoms and Civil Society

The ongoing restrictions on free expression, independent political activity, and civil society organizations hinder progress on human rights. The Center calls for reopening public spaces to political parties, civil society groups, and independent media while ensuring freedom of peaceful assembly without fear of legal repercussions.

Supporting Refugees and Migrants

Amid Egypt’s economic and social challenges, refugees and migrants remain an overlooked and vulnerable population. The Egyptian Center stresses the importance of safeguarding their fundamental rights in line with international law, ensuring protection from forced deportation and other violations. Refugees and migrants must be granted access to dignified employment, healthcare, and social protection for a better quality of life.

International Human Rights Day serves as a reminder of the urgent need for action to uphold human rights. The Egyptian Center affirms that addressing these challenges requires bold and decisive measures to protect the rights of every individual and enhance their living, social, and political conditions in Egypt.