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Nahdat wa Tanweer El Rahawa Association was Denied Registration
On 14/6/2006, the Ministry of Social Solidarity – Giza Department has refused to register an Association for the Rights of Youth and Farmers in El Rahawa village, although on 13/4/2006 the founders have presented all of the valid and completed documents satisfying and fulfilling the stipulations of law no. 84 for the year 2002 concerning national associations. The founders wanted to establish an association called "Nahdat wa Tanweer El Rahawa". The message of the association is to support farmers rights, develop the economic, social, cultural and educational conditions and protect agricultural workers, especially those who work in digging wells.
The Ministry of Social Solidarity – Giza Department has refused to register the association without presenting any reason, which is a violation to the law of associations and a violations against farmers rights to assembly and freedom of expression, this action also violates international human rights covenants and agreements.
The LCHr is preparing a challenge to the refusal decisions because of the abuse of authority. This decision paralyzes the efficiency of civil society activists. The non-declaration of an association without any reason is a violation to the Egyptian law, article no. 20 of the world announcement for human rights and article no. 22 of the international covenant for civil rights. This violation is an interference in the judiciary jurisdiction or authority, which make all of its decision in this regard invalid.
The refusal to provide citizens with licenses to practice their constitutional rights is a hindrance and an obstacle that the executive authority must eliminate. People in Egypt need to have permission from an administrative body (executive authority) in order to enjoy their right to assembly, freedom and expression. National associations and CSOs need to be independent based on the principle of partnership with the government, but reality shows that the government prevents these organizations from providing real contribution to develop and improve the society.
Canceling all hindrance on the formation of national associations and CSOs will give people a better chance to contribute and participate in managing and leading the society, provide suitable solutions to their problems and improve their conditions.
LCHR calls all CSOs to unite in solidarity with Nahdat wa Tanweer El Rahawa Association in order to protect citizens rights to assembly, freedom of expression and decent living.
For more information, please contact the Center.