The National Council for Human Rights Elected to the Governing Board of the Association of Mediterranean Ombudsmen (AOM)

Malta – 16 October 2025

The National Council for Human Rights (NCHR) has achieved a new international milestone by winning a seat on the Governing Board of the Association of Mediterranean Ombudsmen (AOM). The election took place during the General Assembly of the AOM, hosted by the Republic of Malta from 14 to 16 October 2025, with the participation of Ombudsmen, mediators, and national human rights institutions from 27 Mediterranean countries.

This achievement represents a significant step that reflects the Council’s regained active role at both regional and international levels, particularly following the revitalization of its cooperation with international networks of national human rights institutions and Ombudsman offices during the current year. It further strengthens Egypt’s standing within regional and international human rights fora.

Dr. Hany Ibrahim, Secretary-General of the National Council for Human Rights and the Council’s official representative on the AOM Board, emphasized that this accomplishment reflects regional trust in the Council’s professional and independent role in promoting a culture of human rights. He added that it crowns the Council’s recent efforts to modernize its operational mechanisms and expand its regional and international partnerships. Dr. Ibrahim further noted that the coming period will witness active participation by the NCHR in designing and implementing the AOM’s programs for experience exchange and institutional capacity building of Ombudsman offices across the Mediterranean region.

The Association of Mediterranean Ombudsmen was established in France in 2008 and currently includes Ombudsman institutions, mediation bodies, and national human rights institutions from 27 countries surrounding the Mediterranean basin. Its main objectives are to enhance regional cooperation, exchange best practices in protecting fundamental rights, promote transparency and accountability, and support the establishment and strengthening of mediation institutions in member countries.

The Council’s election to the Board came as a result of a coordinated effort led by the Secretary-General and the International Cooperation Department, with the full support of the Council’s President, Ambassador Dr. Mahmoud Karem. Over the past months, the Council intensified its communication with the AOM Secretariat in Malta, successfully restoring its institutional relationship with the network after a period of inactivity in previous years.

The General Assembly concluded by stressing the importance of strengthening the role of Ombudsman and human rights institutions in addressing common regional challenges, and supporting member states’ efforts to promote a culture of human rights and consolidate the principles of good governance.