Press Release
Ahmed Mefreh, Executive Director of the “Committee for Justice,” participated on Thursday, November 21, 2024, in the 48th session of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), held at 2:00 PM at the EU Mission headquarters in Geneva.
In his address, Mefreh shed light on the severe challenges faced by workers in Egypt, discussing the violations they endure, such as punitive measures targeting protesters demanding fair wages and improved working conditions. These measures include job loss, arbitrary detention, or being forced to return to unsafe work environments.
Mefreh also highlighted the inadequate legal protections for female workers, particularly domestic workers, and the persistence of child labor in various regions.
He called for decisive steps to address these issues, proposing a focus on four main areas:
1- Strengthening legal protections:
By ratifying unadopted International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions, such as those concerning occupational safety, maternity protection, and domestic work. Additionally, he emphasized the need to amend local labor laws to align with ILO standards, ensuring the right to unionize, engage in collective bargaining, and protection from arbitrary dismissal.
2- Enhancing workplace safety and fair wages:
By enforcing strict occupational health and safety standards to prevent workplace accidents and injuries, ensuring fair living wages, and extending social protections to all workers, including those in the informal sector.
3- Combating forced labor and child labor:
By strengthening the enforcement of child labor laws and prosecuting perpetrators of forced labor in compliance with international standards.
4- Ending arbitrary dismissals:
By repealing the “Muslim Brotherhood Dismissal Law” to ensure fair labor practices and respect for legal principles.
In conclusion, Mefreh emphasized that implementing these measures would establish a fair and equitable labor system in Egypt, ensuring dignity, safety, and justice for all workers. He called on the international community to stand in solidarity and support these critical reforms.
