Section One: Egyptian Political Parties
Introduction:
April witnessed several significant political event, starting with President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi taking the constitutional oath for a third presidential term. The economic crisis worsened, leading to some social and labor protests. Human rights conditions continued to deteriorate significantly, with political activities, especially protests, being prohibited. Security forces also continued their operations, arresting a large number of activists, particularly those supporting the Palestinian cause. On the other hand, the regional situation remained volatile, with Egypt’s borders experiencing serious geopolitical events, whether with Palestine to the east or Sudan on the southern border.
Homeland Future Party (Mostaqbal Watan Party):
The Homeland Future Party continued its supportive activities for the government, whether through its representatives in parliament, where it holds the majority, aiding in the passage of laws favored by the government. They also engaged in field activities aimed at mitigating the economic crisis.
During April, we only observed service-oriented activities from the party, such as launching a food and goods distribution outlet in Nasr City, Cairo, or hosting a clothing exhibition in Ismailia for Eid al-Fitr. Lastly, they launched a campaign called “Our Youth” to provide job opportunities for young people.
The Constitution Party (Al Dostour Party):
The Constitution Party is facing an internal crisis among its members, with some opposing the party’s direction to align with the government and its policies, while others are in favor and supportive of those policies. However, this has not prevented the party from participating in important activities, especially those supporting Palestine.
One of the most important of these activities was a Ramadan suhoor under the title “For Children without Homes” in solidarity with the Palestinian and Sudanese people. It included prominent figures from the January Revolution, party leaders, representatives of political currents, and public figures.
The party also issued a statement condemning the security forces’ arrest of several girls and women for participating in a protest in front of the United Nations headquarters in Cairo, demanding protection for women in Palestine and Sudan. The party called for the immediate release of those detained.
Bread and Freedom Party (Under Establishment):
The Freedom and Justice Party continued its activities supporting the Palestinian cause and opposing the war on Gaza, alongside addressing the economic crisis and supporting labor and social protest movements.
The party issued a statement condemning the ongoing massacres in Gaza, describing it as a camp of murder, torture, rape, and starvation, demanding immediate action to stop the war on Gaza.
The party also organized an open online meeting with members of the Sudanese Communist Party and feminist activist Wini Omar on International Women’s Day, discussing the situation of women in war zones in Sudan and Palestine.
Additionally, the party called on Egyptian authorities to swiftly release all detainees involved in solidarity activities with the Palestinian people since the beginning of the Zionist war last October.
On April 24th, the party, as part of a group of leftist parties, issued a statement condemning the arrest of several participants in the protest in front of the United Nations headquarters in Cairo, demanding international protection for women in Palestine and Sudan and calling for their immediate release.
Popular Socialist Alliance Party:
The party activities witnessed a relative decline during April, which may be attributed to the nature of the month of Ramadan, in addition to the party’s focus on publications addressing the economic crisis and its impact on citizens.
The party issued a statement expressing its rejection and condemnation of the security forces’ arrest of several women participating in the protest outside the United Nations headquarters in Cairo, and demanded their immediate release.
Egyptian Social Democratic Party:
The nature of the party’s activities did not change during April, relying on its representatives in parliament in addition to some public activities supporting Palestine. Some of the party’s key activities included:
The party’s vice president, MP Dr. Maha Abdel Nasser, submitted a request for an inquiry regarding suspected misappropriation of public funds in the sale of 12 aircrafts from EgyptAir’s fleet. She also submitted a request for an inquiry regarding the frequent power cuts, which have become a daily occurrence despite the government’s promise to resolve the electricity crisis by the end of last summer.
The party issued a statement condemning the assassination of the head of Hamas’ political bureau in Gaza’s family Ismail Haniyeh.
Additionally, the party issued a statement demanding the release of women’s rights activists and journalists who were arrested while organizing a women’s protest outside the United Nations office in Cairo.
Conservatives Party (Al Mohafezeen Party):
The Conservative Party continued its confrontation with issues where it disagreed with the government’s policies, especially regarding the economic crisis and activities supporting the Palestinian cause.
The party demanded, in a statement, an investigation into corruption and losses in the national company EgyptAir.
Additionally, the party issued a statement condemning the authorities’ use of pretrial detention as a substitute for arrest to terrorize citizens and prevent peaceful expression of opinion. The party also condemned the use of charges lacking any material evidence and rejected considering police investigations as grounds for conviction.
The party also condemned hostile actions by the Zionist entity, as well as human massacres and acts of genocide against Palestinian civilians.
The party called for activating Article 179 of the constitution, electing governors and heads of administrative units, instead of appointing them by authorities, which contradicts the Egyptian constitution and harms decentralization.
Dignity Party (Al Karama Party):
The party focused its activities on supporting Palestinian resistance, considering the Palestinian cause as the central issue for the nationalist party.
The party participated in issuing a statement and a signature campaign, demanding the Egyptian government to immediately release all peaceful opinion detainees who demonstrated in support of Palestine. This was especially emphasized as these arrests occurred at the beginning of the new presidential term, during which the president reaffirmed his respect for the constitution and the law. The party also called for full entry of stacked aid in Rafah into Gaza without coordination with the occupying entity and for the cancellation of the Camp David Accords.
Additionally, the party issued a statement on behalf of the Unified Nasserite Current condemning the arrest of Egyptian women who showed solidarity with Gaza during their protest outside the United Nations office in Cairo, demanding their immediate release.
Justice Party (Al Adl Party):
On April 16th, MP Abdel-Moneim Imam the party’s president and the secretary of the planning and budget committee in the House of Representatives a request for an inquiry to the Minister of Local Development regarding neglect and recurring crises in Alexandria Governorate.
On April 21st, the party announced its support for the government’s efforts to control price hikes and stated its commitment to monitoring citizens’ complaints about rising prices.
On April 23rd, Ahmed Sabrah, the party’s political bureau president assistant, praised the signing of 14 agreements between Egypt and Chinese companies to establish several development projects in Egypt with private sector participation.
The Republican People’s Party:
The party continued its developmental activities in support of the government to mitigate the effects of the economic crisis. As it sent congratulations to Sisi on his new term, opened outlets selling goods at reduced prices in Sohag, and held an event honoring Quran memorizers in Giza.
The Revolutionary Socialists Movement:
The movement continued its media activities, publishing all political and economic events of interest to citizens. Additionally, the movement created a new media window on Telegram, alongside participating in political activities supporting the Palestinian cause.
The movement issued a statement condemning the security authorities’ arrest of a large number of activists supporting the Palestinian cause on April 6, as well as the arrest of several workers at various work sites for demanding the implementation of a minimum wage of 6000 EGP.
The movement launched a media channel on Telegram, using it to address economic and social issues and monitor protest movements in Egypt and around the world.
The movement also released the second part of an “Analytical Reading” series, focusing on the war on Gaza, analyzing the class and political reasons behind the war, and assessing the success of Palestinian resistance in achieving liberation from occupation.
Additionally, the movement demanded the release of two workers from the Mahalla Spinning and Weaving Company, Wael Abu Zeid and Mohamed Tolba, who were detained for participating in a sit-in demanding the implementation of the minimum wage of 6000 EGP.
Section 2: Professional and Labor Unions in Egypt
Professional Unions:
Egyptian Journalists Syndicate:
Khaled El-Balshy, the head of the Journalists Syndicate, announced the release of five journalists and all citizens who were arrested during a peaceful protest organized in front of the United Nations headquarters, in rejection of the UN’s failure to act against the aggression of the Israeli occupation against Gaza, especially the violations suffered by women in Gaza and Sudan amidst UN silence.
The Freedoms Committee of the syndicate had issued a statement calling for the release of the journalist colleagues and all citizens who were detained during the peaceful protest they organized.
The Journalists Syndicate announced the opening of applications for journalists with disabilities holding the Integrated Services Card to receive an income improvement contribution for two weeks, in implementation of the Syndicate Council’s decision and the General Assembly’s decision to grant members with disabilities a monthly income improvement contribution equal to the unemployment benefit, to be renewed annually according to the health and job status updates of the eligible individuals. The Council’s committees are also obliged to positively distinguish them and their families in the services provided to Syndicate members.
Khaled El-Balshy, the head of the Journalists Syndicate, called for a halt to “covering funerals until guidelines are established to protect the personal dignity of citizens, and to preserve the dignity and prestige of journalists.”
The Acting Professions Syndicate:
The Acting Professions Syndicate issued a press statement conveying the family of the late actor Salah El-Saadani’s apology for not receiving journalists and TV channels at his funeral, citing the crisis that has resurfaced regarding the filming of celebrities’ funerals in Egypt.
Some artists accused media outlets of “sending their photographers to capture sad moments during funerals to gain views and profits.” However, Magdy Ibrahim, the head of the Photographers’ Division at the Journalists Syndicate, denied the presence of any members of the division at those funerals, affirming that “journalist photographers, whether syndicate members or non-members, do not prefer to attend such occasions. If they do cover them, they do not intrude on the deceased’s family or chase them for comments as alleged.”
The Egyptian Doctors Syndicate:
The General Egyptians Doctors Syndicate addressed Sheikh Al-Azhar Ahmed El-Tayeb and the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Dr. Ayman Ashour, to demand an increase in the allowance for resident doctors.
Dr. Osama Abdel-Hay, the head of the Doctors’ Syndicate, clarified that Article 3 of Law 153 of 2019, which includes some amendments to the provisions of Law 415 of 1954, stipulates that the allowance for resident doctors should be equivalent to 80% of a resident doctor’s salary. He pointed out that this has been amended by Article 3 of Law 18 of 2023, which states that the allowance should be a fixed amount of 2800 Egyptian pounds and can be increased by a decision from the Prime Minister after consulting with the Minister of Higher Education and Al-Azhar’s Sheikh.
The Federation of Medical Professions Syndicates
Dr. Abu Bakr Al-Qadi, the treasurer of the Doctors Syndicate, the Assistant Secretary-General of the Federation of Medical Professions Syndicates, announced the implementation of the Federation Council’s decision regarding increasing pensions for members of the “Doctors, Pharmacists, Dentists, and Veterinarians” syndicates and their families to 1500 Egyptian pounds per month, instead of 1350 pounds, starting from August 2024. He explained that the number of eligible pensioners from the four syndicates during 2023 reached approximately 120,000 members.
The Egyptian Engineers Syndicate:
The Engineers Syndicate is preparing to implement the recent General Assembly decisions regarding a pension increase of 250 EGP starting from next May, making the total value 1600 EGP instead of the current 1350 EGP monthly. The number of engineers eligible for pensions in the syndicate is estimated to be around 160,000 currently.
The Engineers Syndicate has decided to enroll graduates of foreign universities after they complete a 3-month training period.
The Veterinary Syndicate
The Council of the General Veterinary Doctors Syndicate, under the presidency of Dr. Magdy Hassan, the General Syndicate President, held its procedural session to form the bureau for the syndicate, following the election of the General Syndicate President and the midterm renewal of the syndicate council.
The General Veterinary Doctors Syndicate followed up on the issue raised regarding an unidentified academy training non-veterinarians in the field of veterinary nursing in Dakahlia Governorate, which violates the Veterinary Medicine Profession Law.
Dr. Magdy Hassan, the Veterinary Doctors Syndicate President, confirmed that full coordination has been made with the branch syndicate of veterinary doctors in Dakahlia to take the necessary legal actions to confront such entities that encroach upon the veterinary medicine profession, to deter anyone who dares to interfere with the veterinary profession and manipulate citizens and young graduates. Especially since there is no such thing as veterinary nursing as a profession, and such entities are not official bodies for training veterinary doctors.
The Egyptian Lawyers Syndicate:
The Lawyers Syndicate, under the presidency of Abdel Halim Allam, the Syndicate’s President and the Head of the Arab Lawyers Union, issued a statement regarding an incident where an officer assaulted a lawyer in front of the New Cairo Court. The Syndicate’s President affirmed that he is closely monitoring the investigations conducted by the Public Prosecutor’s Office moment by moment.
The Nursing Syndicate:
The head of the Nurses Syndicate, Kauther Mahmoud, demanded equal salaries for nurses across all sectors in Egypt, given the significant rise in prices. She explained that nursing salaries have been doubled in the new comprehensive health insurance system, ranging from 7,000 to 17,000 EGP depending on the grade and competence of workers in the General Health Care Authority. Meanwhile, the salary of a nurse outside the system may reach 6,000 EGP. She added, “We hope that nursing salaries in Egypt will be equalized similar to those in the comprehensive health insurance system.”
The Egyptian Archaeologists Union:
The third International Conference of the Egyptian Archaeologists Union took place from April 22 to 25, 2024, under the theme “Siwa through the Ages” – Interdisciplinary Studies in the Heritage of the Oases in Egypt and the Arab World. The conference spanned three days in Siwa Oasis within the borders of Matrouh Governorate and under the auspices of the ancient Siwa city.
Dr. Ayman Waziri, the Secretary General of the conference and a founding member of the Egyptian Archaeologists Union, as well as the Chairman of the Union’s Board of Directors, emphasized that the conference aims to call upon the state and relevant institutions for further preservation of the cultural identity in Egyptian society in general, and in Matrouh Governorate and the promising Siwa in particular.
The Scientific Professions Syndicate:
The Scientific Professions Syndicate addressed the Health Committee of the Senate, emphasizing the necessity of representing the syndicate in committee sessions when discussing any laws related to scientific professionals.
The Dentists Syndicate:
The General Syndicate of Dentists objected to the decision of the Egyptian Drug Authority to increase the prices of dental anesthesia, stating that they had requested, in a letter, for the authority to hold an urgent meeting to discuss pricing for this vital product.
Semi-annual renewal elections were held in the Dental Syndicate for the position of the general syndicate’s head, as well as the heads of the syndicates in the provinces, and membership in the General Syndicate Council and the councils of the provincial syndicates. These elections took place on Friday, April 26, 2024, under judicial supervision nationwide.
Three dentists are running for the position of the general syndicate’s head: Dr. Shafiq El Hakim, the former head of the Dental Syndicate, Dr. Ehab Haykal, the current head of the Dental Syndicate, and Dr. Mohamed Badawi, a member of the General Syndicate Council. Additionally, 38 candidates are running for seats in the General Syndicate and regional syndicates.
Labor Unions:
Egyptian Trade Union Federation (ETUF):
The Egyptian Trade Union Federation called on employers in a statement to implement the new wage increase, which amounts to 6000 EGP, starting from next May for workers in the private sector.
The Egyptian Trade Union Federation and the International Federation of Arab Workers signed a joint Arab-Russian cooperation agreement for a period of 3 years. The agreement included 7 main articles aimed at preserving the rights and interests of workers in the countries signing the agreement.
The General Union of Textile and Garment Workers:
The ninth conference of the Arab Union of Textile, Garment, and Clothing Industry Workers has kicked off in Egypt, with the participation of delegations from 11 Arab countries. This year’s conference discusses the main opportunities and challenges facing the textile and garment sector in the Arab region, aiming to provide recommendations to enhance the Arab industry in the field of textiles and garments.
Approximately 190 politicians and unionists from 10 different countries have signed an open petition demanding the immediate release of Wael Abu Zeid and Mohamed Tolba, employees at the Egypt Textile Company in Mahalla El Kobra. They were arrested on February 29th following their participation in a labor strike demanding an increase in the minimum wage to 6000 EGP. This international solidarity comes from unions and political figures from Greece, England, Australia, Canada, Czech Republic, Germany, France, Poland, Turkey, and the United States.
General Union of Engineering, Metallurgical, and Electrical Industries:
Engineer Khaled Monir El-Fiqi, Deputy Chairman of the Egyptian Trade Union Federation and President of the General Union of Workers in Engineering, Metallurgical, and Electrical Industries, welcomed the decision to raise the minimum wage for private sector workers to 6000 EGP during his participation in the National Wage Council meeting. He also mentioned that the Ministry of Labor will issue all the details regarding the “executive regulations” of the wage decision to labor directorates.
General Union of Construction and Woodworkers:
The union committee for workers of “Nile General Company for Roads and Bridges” has reached an agreement with the company’s management to increase the meal allowance from 15 to 50 EGP per day for site workers. Additionally, a bonus of 557 EGP will be disbursed to workers in the central regions workshops at the Sawwah and Ain Shams branches.
Independent Unions:
The Solidarity of Trade Union Federation (STUF) called on the Minister of Labor to urgently intervene to end the crisis of suspending the work of the trade union committee for workers at the clubs of the Suez Canal Authority, which was done illegally. It has been nearly two months without any updates despite there being no legal reason for this suspension. Additionally, this suspension is in violation of the law.
The federation reaffirmed its full support and solidarity with all labor issues in the legitimate demands of workers to obtain their rights guaranteed by the constitution, law, agreements, and international charters.
Center for Trade Union and Workers Services (CTUWS):
As part of the program for preparing and qualifying independent union leaders and cadres, the Center for Trade Union and Workers Services concluded on April 19th and 20th, 2024, the third session of the training program with the participation of 15 participants, including 5 women. The participants represented unions in the fields of telecommunications, ambulance services, real estate taxes, tourism, Nile Linen Group, Mondelēz Egypt, Leonie Wiring Systems, and Adult Education institutions from Cairo, Giza, Qalyubia, Gharbia, Sharqia, Alexandria, Ismailia, and Minya governorates.
The training course covered five training topics: labor unions, social legislations, social and economic aspects, crisis management, and women in the labor market.
The Committee for Defending Trade Union Freedoms:
During a meeting on Tuesday, April 16, the Committee for Defending Trade Union Freedoms and Labor Rights discussed the challenges and obstacles facing workers. These challenges were evident in issues related to wages, job security, company liquidations, and trade union freedoms. The meeting highlighted the repeated arrests of El-Mahalla Textile workers due to their exercise of the right to strike.
Temporary Workers in Facilities:
Bill collectors working on commission at the Drinking Water and Sanitation Company in Qalyubia, Aswan, and Cairo organized protests stands outside the company’s headquarters in these governorates. They demanded either permanent employment or a revision of the contracts with the company to include a fixed salary equivalent to that of regular employees who have the same years of service. These temporary workers have been with the company for over 9 years.
Section Three: Human Rights Organizations:
The Egyptian Center for Economic and Social Rights (ECESR)
The center legally represented the female workers of Hennawi Tobacco Factory in dismissal lawsuits, stemming from their demands for bonuses, refusal to increase working hours, reducing their numbers, and depriving them of childcare leave.
The center, acting on behalf of Dr. Mohamed Mohy El-Din, a former prisoner of conscience, submitted the executive formula to the Legal Affairs Administration at Beni Suef University to return to work
Additionally, the center obtained a ruling in favor of a worker against Capital Contracting Company as compensation for arbitrary dismissal and vacations balance.
On April 7, the center’s lawyers attended as legal representatives for a group of White Taxi drivers and owners in case No. 27071 of 68 against the President and others. This was regarding suspending the implementation of the negative decision to refrain from forming a technical, financial, and legal committee to reassess the price of White Taxi cars provided to drivers as replacements for their own cars.
The Egyptian Center continued its “Know Your Rights” initiative, disseminating legal information to private sector workers about the conditions and procedures for entitlement to pension benefits in the private sector.
Association for Freedom of Thought and Expression
The Association condemned the campaign launched by security forces, resulting in the arrest of political activists and supporters after their participation in a protest in front of the Journalists Syndicate expressing solidarity with the Palestinian cause. The Association demanded their immediate release unconditionally.
Additionally, the Association filed a lawsuit before the Administrative Judiciary Court in Benha, on behalf of Nada Osama Abdel Mughni, against the Faculty of Arts at Benha University due to the negative decision to refrain from appointing her as an assistant lecturer despite her being the top-ranking student in her department.
The Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights (EIPR)
The State Security Prosecution decided to release a child who was detained as a precautionary measure at Benha Police Station after an appeal from the Egyptian Initiative for Immediate Release due to his deteriorating health condition.
On April 17, the Egyptian Initiative, in partnership with the African Vaccination Alliances, released three new reports evaluating healthcare systems in three North African countries (Egypt, Tunisia, and Morocco) in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.
On April 19, the initiative published an infographic about death sentences in Egypt during February 2024, where 39 defendants in 23 cases were sentenced, including 3 whose sentences were final and not subject to appeal, noting that these numbers represent the minimum amount.
On April 21, the Tanta Appeals Misdemeanor Court upheld a sentence of 6 months’ imprisonment with a suspended sentence and a fine of 100,000 Egyptian pounds, in addition to a temporary civil compensation of 20,000 pounds against Kirlos Refaat Nashed, following a complaint filed against him by Bishop Benjamin after religious discussions.
Center for Trade Union and Workers Services (CTUWS)
On April 6, the Cairo Terrorism Felonies Court renewed the detention of the worker Sameh Zakaria Ramadan from the Egyptian Ambulance Authority for another 45 days pending Case No. 2412 of 2022, related to State Security.
On April 20, the Training and Qualification program for union leaders concluded, focusing on women, the labor market, which had begun in October 2023.
Egyptian Commission for Rights and Freedoms
The commission’s lawyer filed a report to the Public Prosecutor regarding Ramadan Mohamed Ali, who is currently detained pending Case No. 810 of 2019, State Security, in order to have him examined by an Ophthalmology specialist and take the necessary medical action.
The New Woman Foundation:
On April 2nd, the New Woman Foundation organized the second meeting to coordinate efforts regarding the establishment of an Anti-Discrimination Commission, a constitutional entitlement that has been delayed since the 2014 constitution. This was done in collaboration with legal experts and human rights organizations.
Additionally, in collaboration with the Diakonia Foundation, the New Woman Foundation organized training sessions on protection policies to create a safe working environment for women in civil society
.
Technology and Law Community – Masaar:
A paper was presented on the role of technology and artificial intelligence and the necessity of their existence in society, as well as the responsible entity for establishing regulatory frameworks for artificial intelligence and the potential effects of its regulation on human rights.
Additionally, a new paper was presented on marketing with the principle of privacy first (principles, applications, and challenges). The paper addresses the evolution of data protection laws and regulations and how they play a role in creating a culture that prioritizes privacy.
On April 23, Masaar published a paper on the role of the telecommunications and information technology sector in empowering Egyptian women economically, especially in providing greater job opportunities for women.