Civil Society in Egypt.. February 2025 Political Parties, Syndicates and Human Rights

Section One: Political Parties

Introduction:

• The month of February witnessed intense activity from both ruling parties and opposition parties in rejection of U.S. President Donald Trump’s statements announcing his intention to buy Gaza and displace Palestinians to Egypt or Jordan. These statements were met with absolute public rejection, and numerous parties and political movements issued statements condemning them.

Homeland Future Party (Mostaqbal Watan):

In addition to announcing its support for the Egyptian government’s stance rejecting the displacement of Gaza Strip residents from their land, the party continued its usual social service activities, such as:

• A medical convoy to Tukh Center in Qalyubia and Sohag, along with an initiative to reduce prices in New Valley and a goods exhibition in Gharbia.
• The party also organized a seminar on national security strategy and the role of workers in supporting the Egyptian state, calling on all workers to stand behind the army and political leadership in Gharbia Governorate.

Homeland Protectors Party

Most of the party’s activities also focused on supporting the political authority and declaring its rejection of the displacement of Palestinians.

• On February 13, the party organized the AI Development and Localization Forum in Egypt, in cooperation with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology.
• On February 19, the party held an educational seminar in Port Said to raise health awareness among citizens, especially women, under the title “First Aid at Home and How to Handle It.”

The Nour Salafist Party

Like other parties, Al-Nour Party announced its rejection of Trump’s statements regarding Gaza. It also participated in proposing amendments to the Criminal Procedure Law, suggesting the unification of the oath for witnesses as part of the amendments and expressing its opposition to depriving a defendant sentenced in absentia of the right to manage their assets.

The Republican People’s Party

This month, the party focused on declaring its support for the state and hosted several government officials at its events.

• It kicked off the month by organizing a Damietta furniture exhibition at the Exhibition Grounds in Nasr City.
• The party reaffirmed its full support for the Egyptian government’s stance in rejecting any proposal or plan aimed at liquidating the Palestinian cause through displacement. It also issued a statement praising the government’s position.
• On February 11, the party held a discussion salon on “Developing the Educational System” with the Minister of Education in attendance.
• On February 18, the Health Affairs Committee of the Republican People’s Party organized an educational seminar on “The Future of Healthcare in Egypt” at the party’s central headquarters in New Cairo.

The National Front Party

The National Front Party was preoccupied this month with organizing its internal structure after its registration was approved by the Political Parties Affairs Committee.

• On February 11, the Political Parties Affairs Committee decided in its session to accept the notification submitted by the party’s founding representative. The committee clarified that the party now has legal personality and the right to engage in political activities.

The Civil Democratic Movement

The Civil Movement demonstrated significant activity this month by organizing seminars and solidarity events for prisoners of conscience and the Palestinian cause, despite security restrictions.

• On February 7, the Civil Democratic Movement issued a statement condemning U.S. President Donald Trump’s remarks and calling on security authorities to allow the Egyptian people to express their rejection of displacement.
• On February 13, the movement organized a solidarity day for prisoners of conscience and individuals detained in political cases. It also expressed support for Dr. Laila Soueif in her advocacy for her son Alaa Abdel-Fattah’s legal right to regain his freedom after completing his sentence.

The Conservatives Party (Al Mohafezeen):

This month, the Conservative Party took a practical stance against the U.S. administration’s statements while also declaring its full support for the cause of prisoners of conscience, calling for their release.

• On February 4, Akmal Kortam, leader of the Conservative Party, called for the release of activist Alaa Abdel-Fattah and all prisoners of conscience.
• On February 9, the party’s Workers’ Secretariat organized an event titled “Yes to Development, No to Displacement.”
• On February 13, the party hosted the Civil Democratic Movement’s solidarity day for prisoners of conscience and Dr. Laila Soueif.
• On February 20, the party, in collaboration with the Initiative for Advancing Egypt’s Soft Power, held a seminar to discuss the book “The Scenario Game” by Dr. Sanaa Hashem, a professor of screenwriting at the Higher Institute of Cinema and a member of the party’s presidential council.
• On February 22, the party issued an official statement rejecting the new labor law approved by Parliament, citing the lack of societal dialogue in its formulation.

The Constitution Party (Al Dostour):

The legal battle between the Al-Dostour Party and the Political Parties Affairs Committee is still ongoing following the committee’s decision to declare the party leadership position vacant.

• On February 5, Al-Dostour Party, along with other political parties, activists, and human rights defenders, signed a statement addressed to the President of Egypt, demanding the release of Alaa Abdel-Fattah and all prisoners of conscience.
• On February 6, the party reaffirmed its full and continuous support for the Palestinian cause through all political, diplomatic, and human efforts, emphasizing its commitment since October 7 until Palestine regains its freedom.
• On February 17, the Supreme Administrative Court, in its second session, decided to reserve appeal No. 4062 of the year 71 for a ruling on March 24. The appeal was filed by the party’s president against the null decision of the Political Parties Affairs Committee, which had declared the party leadership position vacant until the general conference convenes.

The Bread and Freedom Party (under establishment):

This month, the Bread and Freedom Party focused on political detainees’ issues, issuing multiple solidarity statements. The party also addressed violence against women and economic concerns.

• On February 8, the party issued a statement condemning the mistreatment of labor activist Shady Mohamed, who was previously detained in 10th of Ramadan Prison and was forcibly transferred without his personal belongings to Borg El Arab Prison.
• The party also released an official statement rejecting U.S. President Trump’s remarks, calling for greater Arab support for Palestinians and urging authorities to allow Egyptians to express their outrage over these statements.
• On February 13, the party participated in the Civil Democratic Movement’s conference in solidarity with prisoners of conscience, their families, and Dr. Laila Soueif.
• On February 18, the party issued an official statement demanding the release of detainees arrested for showing solidarity with Palestinians, citing human rights reports that estimate their number to be over 125 citizens who remain in pretrial detention with repeated renewals for months.
• On February 19, the party released a statement rejecting the decision to raise the minimum wage to 7,000 EGP, arguing that wages do not cover basic needs and that the decision includes loopholes allowing manipulation, reflecting a lack of political will to protect workers’ rights.

The Egyptian Democratic Social Party:

This month, the party initiated its activities by holding several meetings with parties close to the government in preparation for the upcoming parliamentary elections.

• February 1: The party participated in a governmental demonstration in Rafah to express the Egyptian people’s rejection of U.S. President Donald Trump’s statements advocating for the displacement of Palestinians. The party leader, speaking from Rafah Crossing, called for greater political participation and the release of individuals detained on political grounds.
• February 7: The party’s Asyut branch organized a seminar titled “For the Health of Egyptians: A Just Medical Liability Law,” attended by MP Sana’a Al-Saeed, Dr. Diaa Abdel Hamid (Head of Asyut Doctors’ Syndicate), and other party officials and legal experts.
• Parliamentary Activities: Party members in parliament submitted several motions and questions, including:
  • An urgent question to the Ministers of Local Development and Housing regarding the refusal of local units to issue utility connection letters for properties approved for reconciliation.
  • Inquiries to the Prime Minister and other ministers about delays in implementing development projects related to natural gas, sewage, and infrastructure in Asyut under the “Decent Life” initiative.
  • A request to address the challenges of digital transformation and its impact on citizen interactions with government entities.
  • A call to halt construction and demolition activities in the Zamalek district, citing constitutional grounds.
  • Concerns about the hazardous conditions of the Western Desert Road between Asyut and Sohag due to frequent fatal accidents.
• Roundtable Discussion: The party hosted a roundtable titled “Egypt’s Water Security Amid Climate Change and Regional Challenges,” focusing on the effects of climate change on water resources, water pollution, the impact of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, and the importance of water issues for sustainable development.

These activities highlight the party’s commitment to addressing national issues and preparing for future electoral participation.

The Popular Socialist Alliance Party:

The party’s activities this month were largely focused on issues of social justice and prisoners of conscience, such as:

• A statement calling on the Egyptian security authorities to immediately release Shadi Mohamed and all prisoners of conscience, as well as expressing solidarity with Palestine. In its statement, the party expressed its astonishment at the government’s stance, given that the Egyptian government had previously called on the people to demonstrate in solidarity with the Palestinian people.
• Another statement regarding regional developments, expressing support for the popular and official stance rejecting policies of forced displacement.

The Dignity (Al-Karama) Party:

As a nationalist party, Al-Karama Party focused this month on regional issues, particularly the Palestinian cause and ways to support the Palestinian people and resistance movements against the occupation.

• On February 10, the Unified Nasserist Movement organized a research workshop titled “The Risks of New Regional Changes in Palestine, Syria, and Lebanon and Their Potential Impact on Egyptian Interests and National Security” at Al-Karama Party headquarters.
• On February 12, the Workers’ Secretariat of Al-Karama Party issued an official statement expressing solidarity with worker Shadi Ali Ali Mohamed, who has been imprisoned for 10 months due to his solidarity with Palestine. He was recently transferred from Al-Ashir Prison and relocated to the notorious Borg Al-Arab Prison, prompting him to go on a hunger strike for two weeks, putting his health at serious risk.

The Revolutionary Socialists Movement:

This month, the movement focused on blogging about political detainees and labor issues, including:

• A monitoring report on labor protests that took place in 2024. At the end of the report, the movement concluded that the current authority has crushed and restricted union, political, and journalistic work.
• An official statement calling on the regime to release all political detainees, including those imprisoned for their solidarity with Palestine, and rejecting displacement plans.
• On February 18, the movement’s page published news about the failure to present labor leader Shadi Mohamed before the prosecution during his latest detention renewal session, without any explanation. This has raised serious concerns about his health, detention conditions, and physical and psychological safety.

Section 2: Professional and Labor Unions

Professional Unions:

Ten professional unions rejected U.S. President Donald Trump’s stance and his statements regarding the displacement of Palestinians to Egypt and Jordan, considering it part of a Zionist-American plan to liquidate the Palestinian cause.

In a statement, the unions asserted that Trump’s remarks constitute a blatant violation of the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people and a disregard for international resolutions that affirm their right to establish an independent state on their land.

The Journalists’ Syndicate

The Journalists’ Syndicate Council has called for an ordinary general assembly meeting on March 7, to discuss the council’s report on the past period, approve the budget, and elect six council members along with the syndicate head.

• The Journalists’ Syndicate officially announced the launch of its smart digital application on the Google Play Store for Android devices, with availability on the App Store for Apple devices coming soon. This app is part of the syndicate’s comprehensive digital transformation project, aimed at simplifying procedures for members, providing more efficient services, enhancing transparency, and expediting processes.
• The syndicate hosted Mueed Shaban, head of the Commission for the Resistance of the Wall and Settlements at the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), in a seminar held on Tuesday, February 25.

The Engineers’ Syndicate

• Tarek Al-Nabarawy, the Syndicate of Engineers’ President, stated that Gaza has always been a symbol of resilience and resistance and has been subjected to decades of brutal aggression and siege by the Zionist occupation, in blatant violation of international laws and treaties.
• The Engineers’ Syndicate held a seminar titled “Rebuilding Gaza: The Role of Engineering and Engineers” at its headquarters in Ramses, Cairo. The event featured a distinguished group of officials, engineers, and experts from various engineering fields, including urban planning, housing, energy, and infrastructure.
• The syndicate organized the Second Arab Conference on Renewable and Sustainable Energy, which covered:
  • First topic: “Renewable Energy Strategy – Present and Future.”
  • Second topic: “Nuclear Energy for Electricity Generation – The Dabaa Nuclear Plant.”
  • Third topic: “The Arab States’ Strategy for Low-Carbon Hydrogen.”
  • Fourth topic: “Successful Renewable Energy Experiences in the Arab World.”

The Doctors’ Syndicate

• The General Syndicate of Doctors announced that it has assigned its legal advisor to provide full legal support to 15 doctors from Qena General Hospital, who were all acquitted by the Qena Misdemeanor Appeals Court of negligence charges.
• Abu Bakr Al-Qadi, the Treasurer of the General Syndicate of Doctors, stated that this decision came after several doctors from Qena General Hospital contacted him last Sunday. They explained that the family of the deceased child had appealed the civil compensation ruling before the Misdemeanor Cassation Court, which accepted the appeal and referred the case back to the Qena Primary Court, Civil Division, to investigate whether compensation is warranted.

The Teachers Syndicate

Khalaf Al-Zanati, the Teachers’ Syndicate President and President of the Arab Teachers’ Union, announced the largest increase in insurance benefits for the Private Insurance Fund for members of the Teaching Professions Syndicate.

• The Syndicate President reaffirmed the syndicate’s commitment to continuing to improve services for teachers and enhance their financial conditions.
• He also honored Azza Mohamed Abdel Rahman, a teacher at Al-Shaheed Ahmed Hamdi Official Language School in Cairo, in recognition of her dedication to duty. She suffered a finger amputation while supervising the first-term preparatory certificate exams, after preventing a student from cheating during the social studies exam.

The Educational Professions Syndicate

Counselor Imad Shams, the judicial guardian of the Scientific Professions Syndicate, accompanied by Dr. Salah Al-Nadi, a member of the scientific committee of the General Syndicate, visited Prince Edward University, hosted by the Canadian University, which is the first university in the New Administrative Capital. During the visit, an agreement was reached to sign a cooperation protocol between the university and the syndicate to support scientific events and conferences.

The Lawyers’ Syndicate

• The Pensions Committee of the General Lawyers’ Syndicate, headed by Syndicate President Abdul Halim Alam and with Mohamed Radi Masoud, a member of the General Syndicate Council, called on 424 members who submitted requests for retirement in October last year (as listed in the attached records) to quickly contact the administration to complete their paperwork, in preparation for the start of pension disbursements. It is important to note that appeals regarding pension assessments can be made within 60 days from the date the pension is set.
• Abdul Halim Alam, the President of the Lawyers’ Syndicate and President of the Arab Lawyers’ Union, announced his full support and endorsement for the political leadership’s stance, and President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi’s unwavering position on the Palestinian cause, as well as his firm rejection of the U.S. President’s statements about the displacement of the Palestinian people to Egypt and Jordan.

The General Syndicate of Nurses

Mohamed Gibran, the Minister of Labor, announced the provision of 800 job opportunities for Egyptian nurses to work in Morocco. In a press statement, the minister mentioned that these opportunities are offered by the Moroccan group “Akid Ital”, with a salary of $1,000 per month and an additional $200 housing allowance.

• Kawthar Mahmoud, the President of the General Syndicate of Nursing and a Member of the Senate, announced the convening of the General Assemblies for the sub-syndicates of nursing in 25 governorates across the country today. She highlighted that the meetings witnessed unprecedented turnout and great success in mobilizing members, under her direct supervision and guidance.
• Kawthar Mahmoud, the President of the General Syndicate of Nursing and a Member of the Senate, stated that Egypt has witnessed an unprecedented leap during the presidency of Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, with significant achievements across all fields that the country has not seen in decades. She emphasized that, thanks to wise political leadership, Egypt has been able to face both internal and external challenges and is progressing toward a future of greater stability and development.

The Dental Syndicate

• A number of members from the General Syndicate Council of Dentists in Egypt met to discuss the latest developments related to their assignment file.

The Acting Professions Syndicate

• Ashraf Zaki, the President of the Acting Professions Syndicate, praised the clear and steadfast role of the Egyptian state since the beginning of the aggression on Gaza, particularly its full rejection of any attempts to liquidate the Palestinian cause. He also commended the statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which strongly rejected any remarks suggesting the displacement of Palestinians.

Agricultural Professions Syndicate

• The Syndicate of Agricultural Professionals decided to distribute two months of pension payments to its members who are pensioners or their heirs, in celebration of the Christmas holidays. This decision is part of the syndicate’s social and service-oriented efforts to support its members, taking advantage of the syndicate’s success in enhancing asset efficiency, developing financial resources, and ensuring the quick collection of dues from others.
• Said Khalifa, the President of the Syndicate of Agricultural Professionals, revealed the state’s efforts in developing the agricultural sector in Egypt, under the unlimited support of political leadership for developmental projects.

The Judges Club

• The Judicial Committee overseeing the third-term elections for the Judges Club of Egypt, headed by Counselor Mohamed Reda Shawkat, announced the uncontested re-election of Counselor Abu Al-Hussein Fathi Qaed, Vice President of the Court of Cassation and the current president of the club, for the position of Club President.
• The Board of Directors of the Judges Club of Egypt, headed by Counselor Abu Al-Hussein Qaed, President of the Club, expressed its strong condemnation of calls for the displacement of the Palestinian people from their land, considering such actions as an attempt to liquidate the just Palestinian cause and an effort to involve Egypt in these unacceptable plans.

The Faculty Members Club

• The Faculty Members Club at Helwan University confirmed its rejection of the displacement of Palestinians from their land, asserting that Egypt stands united against any such plans, and that no harm should come to Sinai or any part of Egyptian land.
• In a statement on behalf of all the faculty members at Helwan University, the Faculty Members Club expressed its full support for the political leadership in all decisions made to protect Egypt’s national security, praying for the protection of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, the leader of the new republic, and for the preservation of Egypt’s freedom and sovereignty against all adversaries.

Trade Unions:

The General Syndicate of Spinning and Weaving

• The management of “T & C” Ready-Made Garments Company in Obour City has prevented nine workers, who were released on bail in connection with last month’s strike case, from entering the factory, according to the Egyptian Center for Economic and Social Rights. This action is seen as a preparation for their dismissal.
• Around 6,000 workers in the factory went on strike in January demanding the application of the previous minimum wage of 6,000 Egyptian pounds and an increase in the bonus rate to 50%. The police arrested nine workers in connection with their participation in the strike. The workers ended the strike after the release of the arrested workers and the approval of a 17% increase in the bonus by the management.
• Workers at the “Eastern Spinners” factory in the 10th of Ramadan industrial zone ended their strike after receiving promises from the company management to restructure the salaries within 15 days.
  

The General Syndicate of Construction and Wood

• The Public Prosecution of the 10th of Ramadan released ten workers from the “Al-Amir Ceramics Factory” in the 10th of Ramadan city, who were arrested by security forces in connection with their participation in a strike demanding the implementation of the minimum wage law. The release of the detained workers was conditioned on the end of the strike by their colleagues, according to Mada Masr website.
• Workers at the “Al-Malika” Factory in Fayoum, which is owned by Inova Company, ended their strike after the management agreed to their demand for an increase in the annual bonus. Police and Central Security forces were present around the factory to prevent workers from gathering on the road.

Labor Law

• The Labor Committee in the House of Representatives approved the new labor law draft presented by the government during a meeting, after reviewing and discussing the final formulations of the bill. This is in preparation for the final report to be presented at the next general session of the council, despite the complete disregard for organizing hearings for those directly affected by the law.
• The Workers’ Alliances of Political Parties and Unions held a seminar titled “Labor Law: Between Reality and Aspiration”. The seminar featured speeches from Ehab Mansour, a Member of Parliament and the Deputy Chair of the Labor Committee, Mohab Aboud, the Alliance Coordinator, and Ilhami El-Mirghani, an economic expert.
• The Center for Trade Unions and Workers Services (CTUWS) organized a roundtable discussion, during which they presented their research paper addressing the articles of the new labor law draft, titled: “Our Position on the Final Formulation of the New Labor Law Draft”.

The Minimum Wage

• The National Wage Council decided to raise the minimum wage for workers in the private sector from 6,000 to 7,000 Egyptian pounds, following a wave of protests and strikes at several sites and companies since the beginning of this year, due to the non-implementation of the previous minimum wage decision.

The Center of Trade Union and Workers Services (CTUWS)

• On February 21, CTUWS held a training session for lawyers, during which they discussed Labor Law No. 12 of 2003, as well as the proposed amendments in the new law draft currently being discussed in the House of Representatives. The session was led by lawyer Dr. Amal Abdel Hamid, the Coordinator of the Permanent Conference for Working Women, who conducted two specialized sessions to review the key concepts of labor law and its importance as an organizational tool for labor relations and as a guarantor of workers’ fundamental rights.
• The Legal Department of CTUWS, with the participation of Dr. Mohamed Taha Aliwa, a Supreme Court and Constitutional Counselor and Member of the Senate, filed a petition before the Constitutional Court challenging the constitutionality of Article 27 of the Social Insurance and Pensions Law No. 148 of 2019. The petition was based on the discriminatory provisions in the article that unfairly distinguish between certain state employees and other insured individuals, which contradicts the principles of the Egyptian Constitution, which guarantees equality among all citizens.

The General Federation of Egyptian Trade Unions

• The President of the General Federation of Egyptian Trade Unions, who is also the President of the Central Council of the International Confederation of Arab Trade Unions, and Dr. Francis Atoli, the Secretary-General of the Central Organization of Trade Unions in Kenya and the President of the African Trade Union Unity Organization, as well as a Board Member of the International Labour Organization, met to discuss supporting and enhancing Arab-African solidarity and cooperation.
• The General Federation of Egyptian Trade Unions, under the leadership of Abdel Moneim El-Gamal, praised the efforts of the political leadership and its supportive steps for the Palestinian people, its firm stance against the displacement of Gaza’s residents, and the efforts being made to deliver humanitarian and relief aid to the Gaza Strip.

The General Union of Food Industries Workers

• The President of the General Union of Food Industries Workers stated that the US administration’s retreat from the statements made by President Donald Trump regarding the plan to displace Palestinians from the Gaza Strip reflects the strength and resilience of the political leadership and the unified stance of all segments of the Egyptian people and political forces behind President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, stemming from Egypt’s commitment to the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination.

The General Union of Workers in Prosecutions and Courts

• The President of the General Union of Workers in Prosecutions and Courts affirmed that the labor unions stand behind the political leadership, supporting whatever measures are deemed appropriate to support the Palestinian cause and to maintain the security and stability of the Egyptian state.

The General Union of Workers in Public Utilities

• The first training program for judicial officers at electricity distribution companies was launched. The first batch was trained from February 18–20, 2025 at the Leadership Development Center affiliated with the Egyptian Electricity Holding Company, in coordination with the Ministry of Interior, the Electricity Regulatory Authority, and the Consumer Protection Agency. This program will continue in the coming weeks, aiming to train more than 900 judicial officers across all companies.

The Union of Workers in Journalism, Media, Publishing, Culture, and Antiquities

• The General Union of Workers in Journalism, Printing, Media, Culture, and Antiquities launched the “Workers of Egypt Document” to support the workers of Gaza, reject displacement, and oppose any attempts to liquidate the Palestinian cause. This took place during the General Assembly of the union, which approved the document and also agreed to donate a financial sum to support the workers of Gaza.
• The General Union called on all labor organizations across the Arab world to donate and support the workers of Gaza. Additionally, it decided to invite the Arab Labor Organization to coordinate with Arab countries to collect the necessary funds for a joint Arab program aimed at rebuilding the labor system in Palestine and preparing workers for the labor market.

Section Three: Human Rights Movements and Institutions

Key Activities, Publications, and Initiatives of Human Rights Institutions

The National Council for Human Rights

• On February 5, 2025, the National Council expressed its strong condemnation of the recent statements attributed to the President of the United States, which called for the seizure of the Gaza Strip and the forced displacement of its residents.
• On February 19, the Economic Rights Committee of the council organized a field visit to Red Sea Governorate to promote the values and concepts of human rights and to achieve economic empowerment and development for the citizens.

The Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights

• On February 5, the Egyptian Initiative condemned the Dar Al-Marayah for Culture and Arts being prevented from participating in the Cairo International Book Fair. This was the first edition held after the appointment of the current Minister of Culture and under the new formation of the Egyptian Publishers Union Council. The initiative called on the Minister and the Union Council to clearly state their position regarding this exclusion.
• On February 12, the Egyptian Initiative stated that the draft law currently being discussed in the Egyptian Parliament represents a serious threat to the right to privacy, as it grants law enforcement officials broad and arbitrary powers to monitor and intercept individuals’ communications and online activities.
• On February 14, the Egyptian Initiative declared that, with the current parliamentary session nearing its end, the government has yet to present any “Equality and Anti-Discrimination” law, and no members of Parliament have addressed the issue.
• On February 19, the Egyptian Initiative called on the Public Prosecutor to urgently investigate the case of student Hussein Rabeh Hussein Al-Sharqawi, who has been detained in violation of the law for over 180 days and has been forcibly disappeared since January 27.

The Egyptian Commission for Rights and Freedoms

• On February 2, the Egyptian Commission called for the immediate and unconditional release of hundreds of individuals who were arrested in connection with the events of November 11, 2022, known in the media as the “Climate Revolution”, due to exceeding the duration of their pretrial detention.
• On February 9, the Egyptian Commission declared its full support and solidarity with medical service providers in their demands for the issuance of the new Medical Responsibility Law.
• On February 10, the Egyptian Commission published its report on “Freedom of Belief and Citizenship”, addressing the concerns and issues of minorities, aiming to promote a culture of tolerance, reject violence and hate speech, and activate the values of citizenship.
• On February 17, the Egyptian Commission announced that the Supreme State Security Prosecution decided to detain dozens of citizens who had been arrested in recent weeks following calls for protests on January 25, 2025, which was known as the “Joint Revolution”. They were held in pretrial detention under three cases: 816, 846, and 849 for the year 2025, filed by State Security.

The Center for Trade Unions and Workers Services (CTUWS):

• On February 1, 2025, the Permanent Conference for Working Women, in cooperation with CTUWS, organized a workshop with the participation of several female workers in the nursing sector in Alexandria.
• On February 3, the CTUWS announced a surprise decision by the management of T&C Ready-Made Garments Company to suspend the nine workers, who had recently been released, from work following their demands for salary increases.
• On February 8, the lawyers of the CTUWS filed a petition of unconstitutionality regarding Article 27 of the Social Insurance and Pensions Law, citing unjustified discrimination between certain government employees and other insured individuals, which conflicts with the principles of the Egyptian Constitution that ensures equality for all citizens.
• On February 13, CTUWS expressed strong concern over the continuing disregard by MPs for the entities addressed by the law, after the Labor Committee of the House of Representatives approved some provisions in the new Labor Law draft submitted by the government. On February 20, the committee gave final approval to the Labor Law draft and referred it to the general assembly.
• On February 18, the CTUWS called on the relevant authorities, including the Public Prosecutor and the Prison Authority, to reveal the whereabouts of labor leader Shadi Mohamed, who had been transferred from Tenth of Ramadan Prison to Burj Al Arab Prison, despite the latter’s denial of his presence there.
• On February 22, CTUWS reported that four workers from Mahalla Spinning and Weaving Factory sustained burn injuries of varying degrees due to an explosion in one of the new electricity station tanks belonging to the company, which led to a partial fire in the station.
• On February 23, CTUWS held a training workshop for lawyers, discussing Labor Law No. 12 of 2003, along with the proposed amendments to the new draft law currently being discussed in the House of Representatives.

New Woman Foundation:

• On February 5, 2025, the New Woman Foundation organized a training on Campaign Management and Advocacy in Labor Issues, in collaboration with partner associations and unions in Qena.
• On February 23, the New Woman Foundation held a capacity-building workshop for program development at the organization, with the participation of some of the team members and founding members, supported by the Diakonia Organization.

Masar Foundation – Community of Technology and Law:

Masar issued several research papers during the month, addressing important topics, including:

1. The right to access information and the impact of intellectual property laws on it, focusing on the shortcomings of traditional intellectual property laws in balancing the rights of creators and the right to access information.
2. The absence of women and the challenges facing the integration of women into the open-source software community, along with the opportunities that such integration can offer.
3. The phenomenon of echo chambers and its negative impact on the exercise of social media users’ digital rights, focusing on the social and psychological effects of this phenomenon.

The Egyptian Center for Economic and Social Rights

During this month, the center obtained several prominent court rulings, including:

• Obliging “Universal” Company to compensate workers with 419,000 EGP.
• Obliging “Talabat” Company to compensate an employee with more than 106,000 EGP.
• Obliging “Venecia Ceramics” to compensate a worker with 159,000 EGP.
• Compensating 3 employees at the “Al-Hanawi” factory with 652,000 EGP after they were dismissed due to a “staff reduction plan.”
• Obliging the labor cultural institution to pay allowances and unused vacation days to a former employee, totaling 55,000 EGP.

Additionally, the center is following up on the case of 9 workers being dismissed from “T & C” Company after they went on strike demanding the minimum wage. The center’s lawyer also attended a session for the renewal of the detention of a student accused of belonging to the “Ultras Ahlawy.”

The center also launched important solidarity campaigns, including:

• Support for Dr. Layla Suweif, who has been on a hunger strike for 150 days in protest against the continued detention of her son, Alaa Abdel-Fattah.
• Solidarity with labor activist Shadi Mohamed, who is on a hunger strike due to his detention conditions.

Follow-ups and activities:

• The center discussed its comments on the new labor law project, pointing out that it does not achieve the necessary balance between workers and employers. It also organized a discussion session about it. Additionally, it presented urgent demands on International Social Justice Day, reaffirming its commitment to defending the rights of workers and marginalized groups.

The Egyptian Network for Human Rights

• On February 13, 2025, the Egyptian Network documented testimonies from detainees regarding extremely poor conditions inside the detention rooms at the Third October Police Station in 6th of October City, Giza Governorate. The detention rooms, which are approximately 16 square meters in size, are located in the basement, and more than 150 people are held in each of the six rooms.
• On February 17, the Egyptian Network documented a testimony from a citizen who had been detained at the Qasr al-Nil Police Station for two weeks. The testimony described the catastrophic and inhumane conditions faced by detainees inside the detention facility.
• On February 21, the Egyptian Network reported the continued enforced disappearance of Mahmoud Hamidou Barakat Mohamed, a person with polio, for the third consecutive day. He was arrested by the Giza National Security Agency on the morning of Wednesday, February 19, due to his demand to retrieve his personal vehicle for the disabled. On February 23, he was released after being unlawfully detained for five days.

Joint Human Rights Activities

• On February 16, 2025, human rights organizations expressed deep concern about the enforced disappearance and the lack of any information regarding the legal procedures related to poet and writer Abdel Rahman Youssef Al-Qaradawi, and the whereabouts of his detention, after he was deported from Lebanon to the United Arab Emirates on January 8th.

Violations and Harassment:

Renewal of Detention

• On February 3, 2025, the State Security Prosecution decided to extend the detention of journalist Sayed Saber for 15 days pending investigation in case No. 6499 of 2024, State Security Prosecution.
• On February 4, 2025, the State Security Prosecution decided to extend the detention of economist Abdel Khalek Farouk for 15 days pending investigation in case No. 4937 of 2024, State Security Prosecution. In a session on February 17, the prosecution extended his detention for another 15 days.
• On February 5, the Cairo Terrorism Criminal Court, convened at the Badr Prison Complex, decided to extend the detention of translator and cartoonist Ashraf Omar for 45 days pending investigation in case No. 1968 of 2024, State Security Prosecution.
• On February 10, the Cairo Terrorism Criminal Court decided to extend the detention of engineer Yahya Hussein Abdelhadi and young man Yusuf Riyou for 45 days without their appearance during the renewal session.
• On February 18, the Cairo Terrorism Criminal Court, convened at the Badr Prison Complex, decided to extend the detention of labor leader Shadi Mohamed for 45 days without his attendance in case No. 1644 of 2024, State Security Prosecution, known in the media as the “Banner of Support for Palestine” case.
• On February 23, the State Security Prosecution decided to extend the detention of journalist Ahmed Seraaj for 15 days pending investigation in case No. 7 of 2025, State Security Prosecution.

Judicial Rulings:

• On February 9, 2025, the Court of Cassation issued a ruling accepting the appeal submitted by Badr Mohamed Abdullah, case number 16126 of the 93rd judicial year, both in form and substance. The court issued its final judgment, sentencing him to only one year in prison, correcting the first-degree ruling that sentenced him to five years in the case known in the media as the “Al-Fath Mosque Events.” The court also called for his immediate release.

Trials

• On February 3, 2025, the Administrative Court in Mansoura decided to postpone the lawsuit filed against the General Authority for Health Insurance. The lawsuit was related to the refusal of “Health Insurance” to provide treatment for muscular dystrophy for the child Nader Ahmed. The court scheduled the next hearing for March 3, 2025.
• On February 10, 2025, the Economic Court of Appeals decided to postpone the trial of publisher Hisham Qasim in case number 2347 of 2024 for financial misdemeanors. The hearing was rescheduled for April 14, 2025, to notify him of the proceedings.