Egypt's National Council for Human Rights (NCHR) recently held a roundtable discussion on the legal and human rights safeguards that should underpin any future legislation regulating freedom of information. The meeting, titled "Rights Safeguards and Principles for Freedom of Information Legislation," was attended by parliamentarians, journalists, media professionals, civil society representatives, legal experts, and government officials. The discussion aimed to develop a comprehensive rights-based approach to legislation governing access to information.
The roundtable was opened by NCHR President Ahmed Ihab Gamaleldin and Vice-President Mohamed Anwar El-Sadat. Participants included prominent figures such as Journalists Syndicate head Khaled El-Balshy, Ambassador Mahmoud Afifi, and MP Tarek Radwan. The discussion focused on the scope of the right to access information, public bodies that should fall under the legislation, proactive disclosure, and circumstances under which information may legitimately be withheld.
The participants examined how legislation could balance the public's right to know with legitimate state and societal interests, including national security, privacy, and protection of personal data. They also discussed practical procedures for requesting information, deadlines for official responses, possible fees, and mechanisms for complaints and appeals. Ensuring effective implementation of the legislation in practice was also a major focus of the discussion.
The roundtable produced a set of proposed principles and recommendations, including that disclosure should be the default rule and exceptions should be clearly defined. Participants called for simplified procedures for requesting information, clear deadlines for responses, and broader proactive publication of information by public bodies. They also stressed the need for effective mechanisms to challenge refusals and an independent body to monitor implementation of the law.
The discussion highlighted the importance of preserving and properly archiving public documents, training government employees, and conducting periodic assessments of the legislation's implementation. Participants also emphasized the role of civil society organizations, media institutions, and researchers in monitoring the practical application of the right to information and strengthening a broader culture of transparency.
The meeting is part of an ongoing national debate over freedom of information legislation and builds on previous discussions and activities organized by the NCHR. The council intends to submit a memorandum to the Cabinet and the House of Representatives, setting out the human rights safeguards and principles that should be incorporated into any future legislation regulating freedom of information.
The proposed legislation aims to establish an integrated legal framework capable of balancing broad access to information with protection of legitimate state and societal interests. The NCHR believes that such legislation should strengthen the right to knowledge, freedom of opinion and expression, and public participation. The council's efforts are aimed at promoting transparency and accountability in Egypt.
Key points
- The NCHR roundtable discussion aimed to develop a comprehensive rights-based approach to legislation governing access to information.
- The proposed principles and recommendations include that disclosure should be the default rule and exceptions should be clearly defined.
- The NCHR intends to submit a memorandum to the Cabinet and the House of Representatives, setting out the human rights safeguards and principles for future freedom of information legislation.
