NCHR holds roundtable on supporting independent media platforms

In line with its commitment to promoting freedom of opinion and expression, the National Council for Human Rights (NCHR), through its Civil and Political Rights Committee and in cooperation with the Delegation of the European Union, organized a roundtable discussion titled: “Challenges Facing Independent Media Platforms and Ways to overcome them from a Human Rights Perspective.” This initiative is part of a broader series of events launched by the Council to support independent media as a vital mechanism for the protection and advancement of human rights, particularly freedom of expression.

The roundtable was inaugurated by Ambassador Dr. Moushira Khattab, President of the NCHR, who underscored the essential role of independent media in fostering a culture of human rights. She emphasized the need to establish an enabling environment that guarantees the free flow of information and ensures media pluralism—both of which are fundamental to a healthy democratic society. Dr. Khattab also reiterated the importance of enacting a law on the "Right to Access Information" as a cornerstone for enhancing transparency and accountability.

Ambassador Mahmoud Karem, Vice President of the Council, affirmed that this roundtable reflects the Council’s determination to maintain open and constructive dialogue with all stakeholders engaged in media freedom, recognizing it as a key pillar of civil and political rights. Dr. Ayman Zohry, Secretary of the Civil and Political Rights Committee, expressed the Council’s openness to receiving proposals from independent media institutions, with the aim of developing actionable recommendations that support press freedom and foster collaboration between the Council and these platforms.

The roundtable, which was attended by representatives of independent media outlets, media experts, and human rights activists, addressed the principal challenges confronting independent journalism in Egypt. These include a range of legislative and economic constraints. Participants proposed practical solutions, such as advancing a conducive legal framework and providing professional and rights-based tools to safeguard freedom of expression and publication.

This event is part of a joint programme between the National Council for Human Rights and the European Union to strengthen civic space and ensure that the media environment aligns with international standards—foremost among them, Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which guarantees the right to freedom of opinion and expression and access to information without undue interference.

The NCHR reaffirms its commitment to protecting freedom of expression as an indispensable fundamental right. The Council continues to expand its efforts to engage in dialogue and cooperation with actors across the media landscape to ensure the promotion of these rights within a framework of pluralism and responsibi

lity.