Doughty Street International’s Media Defence Panel is delighted to invite you to join us on Tuesday 17 April for a breakfast seminar on freedom of expression and the protection of journalists and human rights activists in Egypt. Hosted in association with Index on Censorship, we will be joined by a representative of the Egyptian Commission for Rights and Freedoms, Egypt (ECRF), nominees for this year's Index on Censorship Freedom of Expression Award for Campaigning.

ECRF is one of the few human rights organisations still operating in Egypt. It provides advocacy, legal support and campaigning expertise to draw attention to human rights abuses taking place under the rule of President Abdel Fattah-el-Sisi. ECRF plays an important role in documenting cases of enforced disappearance and arrests during protests, which are not reported in the heavily censored local media, and in providing legal help for the families of those detained and disappeared. Twice last year ECRF's headquarters was raided by security forces and two staff members were arrested.

ECRF says: “Our main goal to achieve in the future, which is stated in our mission, is to empower individuals to acquire their rights, promote a culture of democracy in the Egyptian society, and expand human rights to every home in Egypt.”

The seminar will involve a panel and roundtable discussion, including a representative of ECRF; Jodie Ginsberg, Index on Censorship; and Jeremy Dear, Deputy General Secretary of the International Federation of Journalists.

Tuesday, 17 April 2018

8.30am – 9.45am (registration from 8.15am)

Doughty Street Chambers

54 Doughty Street, London WC1N2LS

Freedom of expression and the protection of human rights in Egypt