Human rights and freedoms are of the most important issues raised within the framework of the UN system on the international arena.

The emergence of the international community institutions and organizations concerned with the principles of human rights and fundamental freedoms, the codification of these principles and rights in many international conventions and declarations in various fields, and the establishment of international mechanisms to protect and consolidate the human rights are all positive outcomes thereof.

On the domestic level, Egypt has contributed to all the international efforts and gatherings that discussed issues on human rights. Since the Pharaonic era till now, history affirmed clearly that Egypt has been supporting and protecting human rights due to its unique and civilizational component throughout thousands of years that intermingled with the values and ideals of the prophets and the three heavenly religions. Hence, Egypt was civilizationally, nationally, religiously, and culturally qualified to be among the fifty countries that participated in preparing and formulating the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

In the current stage, Egypt's interest in human rights has augmented due to the increasing public awareness of the significance of democracy, and opening up to the various cultural and political trends, as well as increasing respect of the political system for the public opinion both locally and internationally.

Logically, the Egyptian Constitution's articles include all the principles concerning human rights and fundamental freedoms stipulated in the international and regional conventions and agreements. Egypt has respected its commitment to the international conventions by presenting reports on the efforts exerted for implementing the provisions of the conventions to the specialized international committees.

Egypt has defined the national mechanisms that individuals refer to when they are subjected to assault or when their national rights are violated in contradiction with the principles of human rights and freedoms. Consolidating human rights in Egypt has been shown through a number of prominent landmarks, among which were the establishment of the National Council for Motherhood and Childhood; the National Council for Women, to support her participation in the development process; the Family Court, and enhancing the role of the authorities and institutions of the civil society in raising awareness and protection of the human rights. Moreover, Decree No 94 of 2003 on the Establishment of the National Council for Human Rights was issued, and decisions and measures have been taken for elevating educational process and preserving environment.

In addition, the Presidential decree on amending Article No 76 of the Constitution was issued and electing the President of the Republic through direct multi- candidate presidential balloting was applied. All these represent sound and remarkable steps aiming at enhancing the democratic reform course.

The whole society including the government, the parties, the civil society institutions, the mindful and cultured public opinion, and the people have participated in giving an impetus to the economic development.

Hopefully, still we can reach the stage of emphasizing human rights on the level of the daily practices, and cementing its belief in the minds of the new generations to realize a future where citizens can enjoy a genuine democracy and constitutional and legislative reform that protect their rights. A future where the plurality system is deeply rooted and political competition among influential and powerful parties is undergoing.