Cairo: The Human Rights Committee in the House of Representatives, chaired by MP Tarek Radwan, hosted Ambassador Alaa Youssef, Chairman of the State Information Service (SIS). The meeting was dedicated to reviewing the role of the SIS in fostering a culture of human rights and enhancing public awareness of citizenship, equality, and respect for rights and freedoms, aligning with the objectives of Egypt's National Human Rights Strategy.
According to State Information Service Egypt, during the meeting, Ambassador Alaa Youssef emphasized that the SIS operates under a comprehensive vision that sees informed public awareness as the most sustainable and effective means of protecting rights and freedoms while safeguarding national achievements. This vision aligns with the directives of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi regarding human development and the promotion of citizenship and respect for rights and freedoms.
Ambassador Youssef elaborated that the SIS's activities are guided by Egypt's national reference frameworks, particularly the National Human Rights Strategy (2021-2026), launched by President El-Sisi. These activities are coordinated with the Permanent Higher Committee for Human Rights and various relevant state institutions.
The Ambassador reviewed SIS's tools and mechanisms for promoting a culture of human rights. Through its network of Internal Information Centers across Egypt's governorates, the SIS organizes awareness programs and seminars to translate human rights concepts into societal practices. This contributes to strengthening national cohesion and reinforcing the values of citizenship, tolerance, and respect for others. These activities parallel major presidential initiatives like the Decent Life (Hayah Karima) and Bedaya initiatives, as well as specialized awareness campaigns addressing human rights issues.
Ambassador Youssef noted that the SIS's official website has evolved into a comprehensive knowledge platform enabling citizens and researchers to access information and official documentation related to human rights. The platform highlights legislative developments, legal reforms, and executive measures undertaken by the Egyptian state in recent years.
He also highlighted the SIS's research and documentation role through the publication of the peer-reviewed journal Studies in Human Rights, which provides academic content on political, economic, social, and cultural dimensions of human rights. The journal fosters objective dialogue and encourages evidence-based discussions on human rights issues.
The SIS Chairman emphasized that the full text of the National Human Rights Strategy is available in Arabic and English on its digital platforms, broadening public awareness of the Strategy's objectives and encouraging societal engagement in monitoring its outcomes.
Ambassador Youssef reviewed the efforts of the SIS Foreign Correspondents Press Center, stressing its role in managing communication with international media outlets. The Center provides accurate information and documented data on a wide range of Egyptian issues, contributing to a comprehensive picture of developments in Egypt regarding rights and freedoms.
He noted that the SIS monitors international media coverage and reports from organizations and research centers on Egypt's human rights situation. It provides objective, fact-based responses to information that may be inaccurate, contributing to a balanced understanding of developments in Egypt.
Ambassador Youssef also highlighted SIS's efforts to showcase progress in freedom of religion and citizenship promotion, including legislative and institutional developments like the Law Regulating the Construction and Restoration of Churches. These efforts strengthen equality and promote respect for religious diversity in Egyptian society.
The SIS Chairman addressed the attention given to women's issues, a principal pillar of the National Human Rights Strategy. The SIS highlights Egypt's progress in women's empowerment and raises awareness of efforts to combat violence against women and promote their participation in public life.
The meeting included interactive discussions between Human Rights Committee members and Ambassador Youssef. MPs raised questions about SIS's role in promoting human rights, addressing misinformation, and strengthening communication with international media.
Ambassador Youssef provided detailed responses, outlining SIS's vision and future plans for enhancing public awareness and media outreach.
Committee members expressed appreciation for SIS's national role in supporting public awareness and promoting human rights. They commended Ambassador Youssef's perspectives and insights, reflecting his diplomatic and media experience.