NCHR, Egypt's Workers’ Union to Join Forces to Advance Workers Rights

The Economic Rights Committee of the National Council for Human Rights (NCHR), under the leadership of Dr. Mohamed Mamdouh, recently organized a workshop focused on the rights of migrant workers and members of their families, anchored in the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families. The workshop featured active participation from national leaders, relevant institutions, labor unions, parliamentarians, political parties, and civil society organizations.

Key participants included Ambassador Moushira Khattab, President of the NCHR; Dr. Ayman Zahri, prominent expert on migration studies and Chair of the Civil and Political Rights Committee at NCHR; Dr. Hoda Awad, NCHR member; Abdel Gawad Ahmed, Head of the Sustainable Development and Climate Justice Committee at NCHR; Counselor Ihab Abdel Aaty, Legal Advisor to the Ministry of Labor; and Abdel Moneim El-Gamal, President of Egypt’s Workers’ Union. The workshop also welcomed MP Ihab Mansour, Deputy Chair of the Manpower Committee in the House of Representatives, alongside representatives from political parties, farmer organizations, and labor movement experts.

In her opening address, Ambassador Moushira Khattab emphasized the critical importance of safeguarding workers rights, highlighting their integral role in achieving social justice and sustainable development in Egypt. She stated, “Workers rights, whether for Egyptian or migrant workers, are inseparable from the broader framework of human rights. Protecting workers means protecting their families, communities, and the national economy.”

Ambassador Khattab further underlined the NCHR’s commitment to defending workers rights through legal advocacy, awareness campaigns, and fostering partnerships at both national and international levels. She added, “We must implement clear policies and effective mechanisms to ensure safe and dignified working environments for all. This collaboration with the Workers’ Union and labor organizations is a pivotal step toward embedding human rights principles in the workplace.”

Dr. Mohamed Mamdouh, Chair of the Economic Rights Committee at NCHR, reiterated that workers rights are not mere legal provisions but foundational to social justice and development. He remarked, “Every individual’s right to decent work and suitable living conditions is at the core of human dignity. Protecting these rights is essential, especially for vulnerable groups like migrant workers and farmers.”

Dr. Mamdouh also announced a historic agreement to launch a cooperation protocol with Egypt’s Workers’ Union, aimed at supporting the rights of over 4.6 million workers affiliated with 27 labor unions. The protocol seeks to institutionalize these rights across all governorates, ensuring safe workplaces and comprehensive social and health insurance.

The workshop highlighted the need to adapt international best practices in migrant worker protection to the Egyptian context for optimal outcomes. Counselor Ihab Abdel Aaty emphasized the Ministry of Labor’s commitment to enhancing labor rights through legislative reforms and policies that ensure equitable working conditions.

In a similar vein, Abdel Moneim El-Gamal expressed pride in the newly signed protocol with NCHR, affirming the Workers’ Union’s dedication to translating the agreement into tangible initiatives and programs across all unions.

Concluding the workshop, Dr. Mamdouh reaffirmed the Economic Rights Committee’s dedication to implementing the workshop’s recommendations and extending their impact nationwide, thereby advancing workers rights and fostering a more equitable s

ociety.