NCHR rolls out First National Consumer Rights Protection Charter with the Participation of Consumer Protection Agency, Parliament, and CSOs

The National Council for Human Rights (NCHR), in collaboration with the Consumer Protection Agency (CPA), members of parliament, and civil society organizations, has unveiled the first-ever National Consumer Rights Protection Charter. This initiative aims to unify efforts to enhance and safeguard the rights of Egyptian consumers. The announcement was made during a panel discussion organized by the NCHR’s Economic Rights Committee under the theme: “The Role of the Consumer Protection Agency in Market Regulation and Consumer Rights Protection.”

In her opening remarks, Ambassador Moushira Khattab, President of NCHR, emphasized that the event reflects a shared vision among stakeholders to promote consumer rights as an integral part of human rights. She highlighted the importance of economic and social rights alongside civil and political rights.

Khattab reiterated the Council’s support for the CPA’s efforts to combat fraud and exploitation, stressing the need to raise public awareness of consumer rights. She noted that consumer protection is not merely a regulatory measure but a key component of a comprehensive strategy to achieve social justice.

Mr. Ibrahim Sijini, Chairperson of the Consumer Protection Agency, described the agency as one of the state’s primary tools for market regulation and protecting consumers from harmful practices. He affirmed the CPA’s readiness to collaborate with NCHR and all relevant parties to safeguard consumer interests and uphold their rights.

Ambassador Fahmy Fayed, Secretary-General of NCHR, emphasized the centrality of consumer protection in the human rights framework. He highlighted the role of community awareness in fostering a fair and sustainable society, noting that unified efforts among institutions are essential to address economic and social challenges effectively.

Dr. Mohamed Mamdouh, Chair of the NCHR’s Economic Rights Committee, stated that the panel discussion is part of the committee’s action plan to strengthen collaboration among stakeholders. He underscored the significance of the National Consumer Rights Protection Charter as a unified framework for partnership between parliament, the CPA, and civil society organizations.

The session featured rich discussions on market regulation and consumer protection efforts, attended by prominent figures, including:

MP Amal Asfour, Member of the Education and Scientific Research Committee,

MP Samira El-Gazzar, Member of the Budget and Planning Committee,

Senator Dina Helaly, Member of the Human Rights and Social Solidarity Committee, and

MP Atef Al-Maghawry, Member of the Legislative and Constitutional Committee.

Representatives from civil society organizations also contributed, including:

Dr. Souad El-Deeb, President of the Specialized Union for Consumer Protection Associations,

Mahmoud El-Askalani, President of Citizens Against Price Hikes, and

Hussein El-Didamouny, Chair of the My Nation Foundation for Good Governance.

Other participants included organizations such as Idrak for Development and Equality, Egypt First for Human Rights, and Nebras Al-Salam Foundation for Development and Human Rights.

The panel explored several critical issues, including:

The CPA’s role in regulating markets, prices, and addressing challenges impacting consumers.

Raising consumer awareness and protection from harmful economic and social practices.

The pivotal role of civil society in monitoring market trends and supporting consumers.

Proposing new mechanisms for market regulation to ease burdens on citizens.

Concluding the session, participants affirmed that the National Consumer Rights Protection Charter represents a practical step toward building effective partnerships among all stakeholders. This effort aims to improve the economic and social quality of life for Egyptian citizens, supporting the broader goals of social justice and sustainable development.