Civil Society Observatory in Egypt July 2026 “Parties, Trade Unions, and Human Rights Movements”

Section One: Political Parties

Introduction

During July 2026, three major issues dominated political party activities. Foremost among them were the anticipated local council elections and preparations for the electoral process. Another prominent issue was the draft law on the restructuring of the Future of Egypt for Sustainable Development Agency, which sparked significant debate between supporters and opponents. The third issue, which remained consistently present, concerned public freedoms and prisoners of conscience.

1. Nation’s Future Party

Throughout July, the Nation’s Future (Mostaqbal Watan) Party continued to focus on community service initiatives, including supporting General Secondary Certificate (Thanaweya Amma) students, praising the role of the Future of Egypt Agency, and organizing a free medical convoy in Fayoum Governorate.

• July 2, 2026 – Support for General Secondary Students in Luxor:

The party launched an initiative in Luxor Governorate to support General Secondary Certificate students by distributing bottled water and cooling beverages outside examination halls across various districts. The initiative aimed to alleviate the impact of the heatwave and boost the morale of students and their families.

• July 8, 2026 – Statement on the Future of Egypt Agency:

The party issued an official statement commending the developmental and economic role of the Future of Egypt for Sustainable Development Agency, describing it as a fundamental pillar of national food security and land reclamation.

• July 18, 2026 – Free Medical Convoy in Fayoum:

The party organized a comprehensive medical convoy in the village of Sheremsah, Fayoum Governorate, offering free medical examinations, specialized healthcare services, and medications to ease the burden on the most vulnerable groups.

2. National Front Party

The National Front Party (Algabha Alwataniya) continued expanding its organizational and political presence during July by opening a new headquarters in Qalyubia Governorate, organizing a celebration marking the anniversary of the June 30 Revolution in Sohag, and endorsing the draft law establishing the Future of Egypt Agency through its parliamentary committee.

• July 2, 2026 – Opening New Headquarters in Qalyubia:

The Party inaugurated a new headquarters as part of its strategy to expand its grassroots presence.

• July 5, 2026 – June 30 Anniversary Celebration:

The Sohag Governorate Secretariat organized a public celebration marking the thirteenth anniversary of what the party describes as the June 30 Revolution, highlighting national achievements, the revolution’s gains, and upcoming challenges.

• July 13, 2026 – Approval of the Future of Egypt Law:

The Party announced that its parliamentary bureau had approved the draft law establishing the Future of Egypt Agency, considering it supportive of investment and conducive to accelerating sustainable development.

3. Homeland Protectors Party

During July, the Homeland Protectors (Humat Al Watan) Party focused on community initiatives and public policy by organizing a free medical convoy in Giza Governorate, hosting the Minister of Health and Population in a discussion session on developments in the healthcare sector and the implementation of the Universal Health Insurance System, and announcing its support for the restructuring of the Future of Egypt Agency.

4- Al-Wa’i Party

Throughout July, the Al-Wa’i (Awareness) Party focused on public safety and education by launching a training simulation of the National Council for Human Rights (NCHR) for university and secondary school students. It also called for reviewing fire safety and prevention systems following repeated fire incidents in several governorates.

• July 16, 2026:

Through its Committee for Persons with Disabilities, and in cooperation with the Nida Society, the party organized an awareness seminar entitled “Deafblind Persons: The Right to Communicate and the Right to Participate.”

5. Justice Party

The Justice (El-Adl) Party devoted considerable attention during July to international relations, public dialogue on rumors and social media, and energy and electricity stability.

• July 9, 2026 – Meeting with the EU Delegation Head:

MP Abdel-Moneim Imam, Chairman of the Justice Party, received Ambassador Angelina Eichhorst, Head of the European Union Delegation to Egypt, and her accompanying delegation at the party headquarters in Cairo to discuss bilateral relations, regional issues, and the role of political parties in political life.

• July 15, 2026 – Roundtable on the Energy Sector:

The party held a roundtable entitled “Energy System Stability in Summer 2026: Challenges, Preparedness, and Future Visions,” discussing electricity distribution networks, power outages, and sectoral challenges.

• July 22, 2026 – Opposition to the Kayan University Law:

Dr. Mohamed Fouad, head of the Party’s parliamentary bloc, announced the party’s rejection of the draft law establishing Kayan University for Applied Sciences, arguing that university expansion should follow clear and unified standards ensuring educational quality and equal opportunities.

6. Egyptian Social Democratic Party

Throughout July, the Party focused on opposing the draft law reorganizing the Future of Egypt Agency, calling for the release of trade unionist Mohamed Abdel-Karim Zahran, participating in diplomatic events, sending a message of solidarity to the UK Labor Party, and mourning one of its former leaders.

7. Constitution Party

During July, the Constitution (Al-Dostour) Party’s activities ranged from celebrating Nubian heritage domestically to highlighting the humanitarian dimensions of the Palestinian cause regionally. The Party also presented a critical assessment of the Future of Egypt Agency law and organized intellectual discussions on the future of political parties.

• July 21, 2026:

The Party issued an analytical statement on the Future of Egypt law, calling on decision-makers to reconsider the philosophy behind the draft legislation to avoid institutional overlap and strengthen parliamentary oversight and accountability.

• July 23, 2026:

The Party organized a discussion session at its headquarters in Cairo entitled “Political Parties in Egypt: Between the Past, Present, and Future.”

8. The Dignity Party

Throughout July, the Dignity (Al-Karama) Party focused on domestic issues, the human rights situation of detainees, and solidarity with national and Arab figures.

July 7, 2026 – Statement on Diarb Negm Cemeteries:

The Party’s Sharqia Secretariat issued a statement rejecting the demolition and removal of several cemeteries in Diarb Negm, calling for respect for their humanitarian and historical significance.

July 12, 2026 – Solidarity with Activist Mohamed Adel:

The Party’s Youth Office expressed serious concern over reports regarding the deteriorating health and psychological condition of imprisoned activist Mohamed Adel and called for his release.

July 23, 2026:

The Party organized a discussion on the book “Gamal Abdel Nasser, Cinema, and Theatre.”

9. Socialist Popular Alliance Party

The Socialist Popular Alliance Party was active in issuing human rights solidarity statements, particularly concerning filmmaker Omar Marei and trade unionist Dr. Mohamed Zahran. It also addressed economic issues and commemorated labor leaders.

• July 7, 2026 – “Martyrs of the Bread Loaf” Statement:

The Party issued an analytical statement highlighting workplace accidents involving workers, female transport workers, and child laborers.

• July 10, 2026 – Critical Analysis of Military and Economic Affairs:

The Party published an analytical article discussing recent national projects and their economic and social implications.

• July 18, 2026 – Commemoration of Mohib Abboud in Alexandria:

The Party held a memorial for labor activist Mohib Abboud, one of the founders of the Independent Teachers’ Union and the Party’s former secretary in Alexandria.

10. Al-Nour Salafi Party

During July, the Al-Nour Salafi (the Light) Party focused on social issues, including supporting the inauguration of the Strategic Command Headquarters (the Octagon), parliamentary engagement on education issues, and endorsing the restructuring of the Future of Egypt Agency.

11. Bread and Freedom Party (Under Establishment)

Throughout July, the Bread and Freedom Party focused on documenting human rights issues, monitoring the conditions of detainees and pretrial prisoners, advocating for public and professional freedoms, and supporting feminist causes.

The Party issued statements supporting filmmaker Omar Marei, trade unionist Shady Mohamed, lawyer Loaa Khalaf, and Dr. Mohamed Zahran. It also expressed solidarity internationally with Hamma Hammami, Secretary-General of the Tunisian Workers’ Party.

12. Reform and Development Party

The Reform and Development Party adopted a critical economic position regarding new legislation while continuing community-based initiatives.

• July 12, 2026 – “Let’s Beautify It, Let’s Plant It” Initiative:

The Party launched an environmental initiative to plant trees and beautify green spaces and public squares in Sadat City, Monufia Governorate.

• July 14, 2026 – Position on the “Future of Egypt” Law:

The Party rejected the current version of the draft law, arguing that it concentrates ownership and administration within a single entity combining executive and oversight powers, thereby undermining competitive neutrality.

13. Revolutionary Socialists Movement

The Revolutionary Socialists Movement continued monitoring and analyzing labor and trade union mobilization, professional elections, and labor and social protests.

• July 1, 2026 – Commentary on the Judges Club Elections:

The movement’s official page commented on the victory of the Independence Current, led by Counselor Mohamed Refaat Gabr, in the Judges Club elections, considering it an indicator of changing dynamics within professional associations and clubs.

Moreover, it announced its solidarity with workers at the Ministry of Agriculture and with employees of Samnoud Textiles Company.

• July 19, 2026:

The movement published a critical article condemning the Parliament’s approval of the law establishing the Future of Egypt for Sustainable Development Agency.

Section Two: Professional and Labor Unions

Part One: Professional Syndicates

1. Lawyers’ Syndicate

• On July 6, the General Bar Council held a joint meeting with the branch bar associations. The agenda focused on mechanisms to improve and develop services for lawyers. The meeting concluded with the formation of several joint committees to oversee the investment of the syndicate’s financial assets and approved increasing the maximum pension to EGP 4,000. It also discussed violations faced by lawyers in the course of their work, particularly the case involving a lawyer from the Suez Bar Association.

• On July 13, the General Bar Association filed several complaints with the competent authorities against individuals it described as “rumor mongers” and “publishers of defamatory content.” The complaints targeted several social media pages and individuals whose posts contained news and opinions that the Syndicate considered inaccurate. The statement also affirmed the Syndicate’s respect for freedom of opinion and expression within the framework of the Constitution and the law.

• On July 22, lawyer Loaa Khaled was questioned in an investigation that lasted five hours. The Syndicate had suspended her on July 13 following allegations concerning her attire and after she filed a complaint with the National Council for Women (NCW), alleging that she had been subjected to abuse for not wearing the hijab. The case sparked widespread debate among lawyers over whether the syndicate has the authority to comment on members’ appearance and dress, with opinions divided between supporters and critics of the Syndicate’s stance.

2. Syndicate of Journalists

• On July 5, the Syndicate of Journalists President welcomed the President of the Republic’s call for an annual objective media dialogue. He urged cooperation with the Ministry of Information and all state institutions to improve the conditions of Egyptian journalism. He also reiterated the Syndicate’s demands for the effective enforcement of laws guaranteeing press freedom and access to information and called for the release of all individuals detained in connection with opinion-related cases.

• On July 11, the Syndicate launched Palestine Week under the slogan “By God’s Promise, We Shall Not Leave.” The solidarity week featured theatrical and film performances, as well as cultural and artistic events and photo exhibitions documenting the history of the Palestinian struggle.

• On July 17, the Syndicate’s Freedoms Committee announced its solidarity with the management of the Egytech website in its appeal to the Supreme Council for Media Regulation against the decision to block the website. The Committee called for lifting the ban and allowing the website to resume operations, while also urging a review of all website-blocking decisions.

3. Engineers’ Syndicate

• The Syndicate held its general conference from July 15 to 17, during which participants discussed issues affecting engineers and the profession, as well as mechanisms to strengthen cooperation with the government and reinforce the Syndicate’s role as the state’s primary technical adviser on engineering-related sectors.

• On July 21, President of the Engineers’ Syndicate, Mohamed Abdel-Ghani, announced the Syndicate’s legal victory in the Jotun case, confirming that it had retained its 30% stake in the company. He noted that the syndicate had enlisted some of Egypt’s leading law firms in the case. The Syndicate had engaged in a legal dispute to preserve the 30% share allocated to its pension fund after the company attempted to dilute that stake by increasing its capital.

4. Doctors’ Syndicate

• On July 6, the Syndicate launched the National Charter for Safe and Dignified Pregnancy and Childbirth Care, in cooperation with specialized national and scientific councils. The charter included 14 recommendations aimed at protecting women’s dignity and rights during pregnancy and childbirth. Its launch came amid widespread public debate following testimony by a former physician who reported witnessing violations against women during childbirth. She was subsequently prosecuted and sentenced to one year in prison, with the sentence suspended.

5. Acting Professions Syndicate

• On July 23, Head of the Acting Professions Syndicate, Ashraf Zaki, announced the activation of the Public Performance Right Law. The announcement followed a broad meeting held on July 22 with a large number of artists. His remarks came in the context of the ongoing dispute between creators and production companies over public performance rights and the mechanisms for enforcing the law.

6. Veterinarians’ Syndicate

• The Head of the Egyptian Veterinarians’ Syndicate, Dr. Magdy Hassan, stressed the need to activate the One Health framework to ensure food safety and protect human rights. He argued that fragmented institutional responsibilities undermine the efficiency of the veterinary system and called for consolidating all veterinary competencies under a single umbrella to safeguard food safety and public health.

7. Nursing Syndicate

• On July 21, the Head of the Egyptian Nursing Syndicate, Kawthar Heikal, thanked the President of the Republic for directing a review of nurses’ financial compensation. She stated that the directive reflects the state’s commitment to strengthening the healthcare system. Her remarks followed repeated television appearances in which she highlighted the extremely low allowances and incentives provided to nursing staff.

Part Two: Labor Unions

1. Center for Trade Union and Workers’ Services

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• On July 1, the Center for Trade Union and Workers’ Services (CTUWS) mourned the workers and children who lost their lives in the Assiut road accident after the tricycle transporting them fell into the Nag Hammadi Canal. The CTUWS pointed to the recurring road accidents claiming the lives of agricultural workers and noted that the incident exposed the persistent problem of child labor in agriculture without adequate protection.

• On July 12, the Center issued a statement condemning the continued denial of permanent appointments for thousands of workers at the Ministry of Agriculture and the withholding of wages from 3,800 workers since November 2021. The statement followed protests by female Ministry of Agriculture workers demanding fair wages. According to the Center, many have worked for years under temporary contracts with wages not exceeding EGP 1,000 per month.

2. Solidarity Alliance of Labor Unions

• On July 4, the Solidarity Alliance of Labor Unions called for linking wage increases to inflation and rising prices, arguing that inflation had eroded the real value of wages. It also condemned the exclusion of 23 million private-sector workers from the application of the minimum wage, criticized the absence of workers’ representatives from wage negotiations, and called for full trade union freedoms.

• On July 14, the Alliance expressed its solidarity with the demands of the striking workers at Al-Amir Ceramics Factory, particularly the payment of overdue wages, regular salary disbursement, and the protection of workers’ insurance and healthcare rights. The Alliance stated that the absence of trade union freedoms further complicates negotiations with employers.

3. Egyptian Trade Union Federation

• On July 9, the Egyptian Trade Union Federation (ETUF) issued a statement condemning what it described as attempts to “undermine the security and stability of the Arab Gulf states.” The statement stressed the close link between Gulf security and Egypt’s national security and praised President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi’s commitment to respecting state sovereignty and rejecting escalation.

4. General Union of Textile Workers

• The Head of the General Union of Textile Workers, Abdel-Fattah Ibrahim, stated that the July 23 Revolution marked the beginning of Egypt’s national industrial development and that the current modernization of the textile sector represents a continuation of the national approach established by the revolution. He emphasized that the Egyptian worker remains the most important factor in the success of the country’s industrial sector.

5. Land Transport Union

• On July 23, the Land Transport Union honored a truck driver for preventing a major accident on the Tanta–El-Mahalla highway. The Union’s Secretary-General praised the driver’s courage after Emad Hussein maneuvered alongside a truck that was about to overturn following the explosion of a rear tire and successfully escorted it safely to the side of the road.

6. Water Utility Workers

• Beginning in July, workers at drinking water and wastewater facilities launched a broad wave of protests across seven worksites in Greater Cairo. The protesters demanded the appointment of temporary workers to permanent positions and the inclusion of delayed allowances that have remained unpaid for ten years. Several workers stated that the protests would continue until their demands were met.

7. Female Employees of the Ministry of Agriculture

• Hundreds of female employees at the Ministry of Agriculture demonstrated in Giza Governorate. The protesters, who came from several governorates, marched from the Seed Inspection Administration headquarters to the Ministry’s headquarters, demanding the payment of salary arrears that they say have been outstanding for five years.

Section Three: Human Rights Movements

First: Key Activities, Publications, and Initiatives of Human Rights Organizations

1. National Council for Human Rights (NCHR)

• June 28, 2026: On the occasion of the International Day of Deafblindness, the Council reaffirmed its commitment to promoting the social inclusion of persons with deafblindness.

• July 1: The Council participated in a hearing of the Human Rights Committee of the House of Representatives on protecting children from violence.

• July 6: It took part in the Egyptian Medical Syndicate’s workshop titled “The Physician’s Oath and Women’s Right to Safe Childbirth.”

• July 16: It convened a roundtable to examine the legislative implications of terminating public service under Law No. 73 of 2021 upon confirmation of drug use.

• July 21: The Council organized a workshop on “The Human Rights-Based Approach to the Protection of Journalists,” attended by 22 media professionals.

• July 24: It condemned the assault on a resident of a care home in Al-Mokattam and welcomed the Public Prosecution’s prompt intervention

2. Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights (EIPR)

• June 28: It published the study “A Golden Age for Women?” examining the gap between official discourse and statistical realities.

• July 2: It called for the immediate release of filmmaker Omar Salah Marai before the renewal of his detention for the fifth time.

• July 3: The EIPR urged the transfer of detainee Shady Mohamed to hospital for urgent shoulder surgery.

• July 4: It published the policy paper “Out of Coverage,” criticizing amendments to the Social Insurance Law for neglecting emergency workers.

• July 10: It warned against the draft law restructuring the Future of Egypt Agency, citing the broad exceptional powers it grants.

• July 14: It documented the continued detention of the “Support Gaza” detainees and renewed its call for the release of 141 detainees.

• July 15: It welcomed the Presidential Initiative for the Care of Children with Diabetes.

• July 17: It condemned the arrest of 20 Shi’a citizens in Cairo during the Ashura commemoration.

• July 19: It called for the release of trade union leader Mohamed Zahran, who remains in pretrial detention.

3. Egyptian Commission for Rights and Freedoms (ECRF)

• Late June: It published a position paper on the use of public morality laws to prosecute transgender individuals.

• July 1: It called for an investigation into the tragedy of a three-wheeled vehicle carrying children that fell into a canal in Assiut.

• July 2: It hosted a “Rights and Knowledge” salon discussing ethical media coverage of women’s and children’s issues.

• In July: It expressed solidarity with filmmaker Omar Marai and condemned the imprisonment of physician Omnia Sweidan in Alexandria.

• July 9: It called for disclosure of the fate of student Amr Metwally, who has been forcibly disappeared since 2017, and denounced the detention of his human rights defender father.

• July 12: It condemned the arrest of Ministry of Agriculture workers who had staged a peaceful protest to demand their financial entitlements.

• July 16: It published a report highlighting the adverse impact of temporary employment contracts on social stability.

• Moreover, it published the appeal issued by the family of activist Mohamed Adel calling for his rescue following his hunger strike.

4. Center for Trade Union and Workers Services (CTUWS)

• CTUWS expressed solidarity with Cairo Water Company workers demanding permanent employment contracts and payment of allowances.

• July 12: It condemned the suspension of financial entitlements for Ministry of Agriculture workers and supported the strike of Samnoud Textiles Company workers.

• July 19: It mourned two workers who died in a sewage manhole in Monufia Governorate due to inadequate occupational safety measures.

• July 22: It expressed solidarity with drivers and workers at Al-Amir Ceramics in 10th of Ramadan City who went on strike over delayed wages.

5. New Woman Foundation

• July 6: It issued a statement on the risks of heat stress for pregnant women resulting from caregiving and work-related burdens.

• July 8: It warned of the growing “period poverty” crisis following a 400% increase in sanitary pad prices.

• July 9: It published a statement analyzing the gender pay gap resulting from financial discrimination against women.

6. Masaar – Technology and Law Community

During July, Masaar published several legal papers, including:

1. • A legal template challenging website blocking decisions and the invalidity of evidence-gathering procedures.

   • Legal defense memoranda analyzing the elements of cybercrime under Article 13 and the legal standards governing the examination of digital evidence and mobile phones without judicial authorization.

   • A digital policy paper criticizing the expansion of punitive measures and the overly broad wording of digital technology policies.

   • A paper on digital identity analyzing the risks posed by Egypt’s digital identity platform to privacy and its potential to deepen the digital exclusion of low-income groups and older persons.

7. Egyptian Center for Women’s Rights (ECWR)

• • July 5: It published a statement highlighting the dangers of child marriage, obstetric violence, and violations of reproductive rights.

  • July 7: It filed an appeal before the Administrative Court challenging the rejection of its projects in Bahariya Oasis without stated reasons.

  • July 20: It submitted practical recommendations to strengthen the legislative framework protecting children’s right to legal parentage.

  • July 21: It published the CEWLA booklet documenting reproductive health services in Bahariya Oasis and Bulaq El-Dakrour.

8. Egyptian Center for Economic and Social Rights (ECESR)

• • It launched the “Frequently Asked Labor Questions” initiative to explain the provisions of the new Labor Law No. 12 of 2025.

  • July 12: It welcomed the Luxor Governor’s decision to prohibit sanitation workers from working outdoors during peak heat hours to safeguard their health.

  • July 16: It followed the government’s appeal against a court ruling awarding compensation to a citizen harmed by the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine.

8. Joint Human Rights Activities

• July 13: Human rights organizations condemned the Sohag Bar Association’s decision to suspend lawyer Loaa Khalaf.

• July 22: Political groups called for the release of labor leader Shady Mohamed after he exceeded the legal limit for pretrial detention.

Second: Violations and Harassment

1. Renewals of Pretrial Detention

Among the numerous hearings concerning the renewal of detention for prisoners of conscience and political detainees were the following:

• • July 6: Lawyer Mohamed Mousa Abu El-Diar’s detention was renewed for 15 days in Case No. 2528 of 2026 and renewed again on July 19.

  • July 13: The Terrorism Circuit renewed the detention of 14 young detainees from the “Support Gaza” case (Case No. 2000 of 2023) for 45 days.

  • Other renewals included the continued detention of activist Shady Mohamed (Case No. 1200 of 2024) and Fatma Ashraf, who is accused of violating family values.

  • July 16: The Supreme State Security Prosecution ordered the detention of Dr. Mohamed Zahran (Case No. 5337 of 2024) and 20 Shi’a citizens on charges of contempt of religion.

2. Court Rulings

• • June 27: The Egyptian Commission for Rights and Freedoms secured two rulings obliging the state to provide treatment for muscular dystrophy patients in Fayoum.

  • Labor rights: The Egyptian Center for Economic and Social Rights obtained rulings ordering Misr Helwan Spinning Company to pay the outstanding entitlements of a trade union leader and requiring the Social Defense Association to apply the statutory minimum wage to a security guard.

  • July 4: A court sentenced physician Omnia Sweidan to a suspended six months’ imprisonment, and imposed a fine of EGP 20,000.

  • July 14: Helwan Court ordered Talabat to pay EGP 100,000 in compensation to a worker who had been unfairly dismissed.

  • July 16: The Misdemeanor Appeals Court upheld the one-year prison sentence against poet Ahmed Douma on charges of spreading false news.

3. Trials

• • June 27: The Administrative Court reserved judgment until August 31 in a lawsuit seeking to enable the wife of a prisoner to undergo IVF treatment.

  • July 7: The Criminal Court adjourned the trial concerning the assembly of workers at Misr Spinning and Weaving Company in El-Mahalla to hear additional witnesses.

  • The First Terrorism Circuit of the Criminal Court also postponed the trial of Sayed Mashagheb and five others until September 22 to hear witness testimony.

  • July 22: The First Terrorism Circuit at Badr Court postponed nine cases, including the Palestine Support case, to various dates for defense pleadings, witness testimony, examination of evidence, and the issuance of judgments.

4. Victories

• • June 27: The Egyptian Commission for Rights and Freedoms secured the acquittal of a transgender woman on charges of habitual debauchery.

  • July 10: The Public Prosecution ordered the release of two Coptic residents of Tel El-Qibliya village in Minya pending investigation under a residency guarantee.

  • Labor activist Ahmed Hussein and engineer Khaled El-Sayed were also released under precautionary measures.

  • July 24: Lawyer Nesma El-Khatib was released from the Public Prosecution headquarters after being questioned on charges of spreading false news.