FORUM EGYPTIEN POUR LES DROITS DE L'HOMME

EU Legislative Interests

The Egyptian Human Rights Forum (EHRF) actively engages with EU legislative and policy initiatives that impact human rights protection, asylum, democracy support, and civil society space in Egypt and the broader region. Specifically, EHRF focuses on: EU Common Asylum System reforms, including proposals related to the designation of “safe countries of origin,” which risk undermining the protection needs of Egyptian asylum seekers and refugees. The EU Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy (2020–2024) and the upcoming frameworks, ensuring that human rights concerns in Egypt are properly addressed in EU external action. The EU’s Neighbourhood, Development, and International Cooperation Instrument (NDICI) implementation, advocating for conditionality linked to measurable human rights improvements in Egypt. European Parliament resolutions and reports on Egypt’s human rights situation, including efforts to maintain regular parliamentary scrutiny of EU-Egypt relations. EU migration cooperation agreements with Egypt, challenging policies that prioritize migration control over the protection of rights and fundamental freedoms. EU Guidelines on Human Rights Defenders, promoting stronger EU support and protection mechanisms for Egyptian human rights defenders at risk, both inside the country and in exile. Through its work, EHRF seeks to ensure that EU external policies are aligned with international human rights standards and that they contribute meaningfully to democratic reform, the rule of law, and the protection of civil society in Egypt.

Communication Activities

1. Advocacy Events and Panels EHRF organizes and participates in events, conferences, and panels to raise awareness about EU policies impacting human rights in Egypt. These platforms allow EHRF to: Engage with EU policymakers, MEPs, and diplomats on the implications of human rights violations in Egypt and how EU policies, especially on migration and asylum, affect Egyptian citizens. Host roundtable discussions with civil society and UN bodies to assess the EU's role in addressing these issues. 2. Campaigns to Influence EU Policy EHRF leads advocacy campaigns designed to influence EU legislative proposals, especially regarding the designation of Egypt as a “safe country of origin.” These campaigns include: Public mobilization calling for a human rights-based approach to EU-Egypt relations. Petitions and open letters urging EU policymakers to oppose Egypt's designation as a “safe country” and tie EU aid and trade to tangible human rights improvements. Social media campaigns targeting European stakeholders, emphasizing the impact of EU policies on human rights defenders and asylum seekers. 3. Publications and Reports EHRF produces reports, policy briefs, and analytical papers that inform EU decision-makers and the public on the human rights situation in Egypt. Key publications include: Annual human rights reports outlining abuses and providing evidence for advocacy. Policy briefs examining the implications of EU policies like the EU Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy or migration cooperation agreements with Egypt. Open letters and joint statements calling for EU policy changes or reinforcing human rights protection frameworks. 4. Engagement with EU Institutions EHRF fosters direct communication and advocacy with EU institutions to ensure that policies respect international human rights standards. Activities include: Meetings with MEPs and officials from the European External Action Service (EEAS) to present evidence and advocate for human rights reforms in Egypt. Briefings with EU bodies like the European Commission and European Parliament, offering insights and recommendations on Egypt’s human rights situation. 5. Media Outreach and Interviews EHRF regularly engages with journalists and media outlets to raise awareness of EU policies affecting Egypt. Activities include: Press releases and statements on key EU policy decisions. Interviews and op-eds with international media outlets, providing critical analysis of EU actions and their real-world consequences for Egyptian civil society. Radio and TV appearances discussing Egypt’s human rights record and the EU’s role in promoting reforms. 6. Educational Outreach and Capacity Building EHRF conducts workshops, webinars, and training sessions to educate stakeholders, including young activists and civil society groups, on the EU’s human rights policies. These activities aim to: Build local advocacy capacity, particularly on issues like EU migration policies and human rights defender protection. Raise awareness about how Egyptian activists can engage with EU institutions to advocate for human rights reforms. Partner with academic institutions to provide resources and materials on EU policies and their impact on Egypt. 7. Multimedia and Visual Storytelling EHRF utilizes documentaries, videos, and infographics to effectively communicate the impact of EU policies on the ground in Egypt. These materials are used to: Share personal stories of human rights defenders and asylum seekers affected by EU policies. Visualize complex issues like counterterrorism laws and the refugee crisis, showing how EU decisions impact individuals in Egypt. Through these communication activities, EHRF aims to engage EU stakeholders and the broader international community in advocating for policies that protect the rights of Egyptians and ensure that human rights principles are prioritized in all external actions.

Interests Represented

Does not represent commercial interests

Member Of

Here’s a list of organizations and entities related to EHRF: Euro-Med Rights Network: EHRF is a regular member of the Euro-Med Rights network. More information can be found https://euromedrights.org/members/egyptian-human-rights-forum-ehrf/

Organisation Members

Members of the GA MOATAZ Ahmed Ahmed Mohamed Elfegiry - Président of EHRF Yosra Abdelsatar Mohammed Mohammed Elgendi- Secrétaire général(e)of EHRF - Ayman Ossama Mohamed Abdelmeguid-Treasurer EHRF collaborates with several key partner organizations, including: CIHRS (Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies) Euro-Med Rights (EMR) HRW (Human Rights Watch) Amnesty International EFHR (Egyptian Federation for Human Rights) EIPR (Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights) MENA Rights Group TIMEP (The Tahrir Institute for Middle East Policy) EHRF also receives grants from the following entities: National Endowment for Democracy (NED) Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Foundation (EMHRF) Majalat: https://euromedrights.org/majalat-ii-subgrantees/ Innovative for Change