29 April 2024 – Cairo, Arab Republic of Egypt   

In the framework of the ongoing collaboration between the Ministry of Justice and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), a national roundtable discussion for executive leaders and officials from the Ministry of Justice commences today. The roundtable focused on enhancing efforts to tackle cases of violence against women and streamline women's access to justice while deliberating on best strategies and practices at the national level to overcome relevant challenges, under the auspices of His Excellency Judge Omar Marwan, Minister of Justice. 

Among the esteemed attendees were Judge Hani Hanna, Deputy Minister of Justice for the Legislation Sector, Judge Rabie Qassem, Deputy Minister of Justice for the Court Buildings Sector, Judge Wafa Harzi, Deputy Minister of Justice for the Inspection Sector, Judge Khaled AbdelWahab from the Experts and Forensic Medicine Sector, Judge Amal Ammar, Deputy Minister of Justice for Human Rights, Women, and Children; along with Ms. Mirna Bouhabib, UNODC ROMENA Deputy Regional Representative. 

The agenda encompassed key discussion topics, notably examining international leading examples in facilitating justice for women victims of violence, reviewing legislative advancements, showcasing exemplary judicial practices, identifying relevant legislative and institutional requisites, and delving into the enhancement of forensic medicine and court facilities to improve women's access to justice. 

In this regard, the efforts undertaken by the Ministry of Justice and its relevant sectors were underscored to facilitate access to justice for women victims of violence, which is based on joint work between all relevant judicial system's sectors to counter instances of violence against women through heightened community awareness and the promotion of gender equality. The ultimate goal is to foster a cohesive societal framework that strongly condemns all forms of violence, particularly those impacting women, reaffirming the Egyptian state's commitment to promoting and safeguarding women's rights through the justice system. 

Ms. Mirna Bouhabib, UNODC ROMENA Deputy Regional Representative, emphasized the significance of the roundtable discussion as it reflects a strong commitment toward promoting justice and equality. She considered it a vital opportunity for dialogue and the exchange of views, laying the groundwork for a set of recommendations to build a comprehensive vision on advancing legal procedures and policies to counter violence against women, which necessitates cohesive and multifaceted efforts. 

Through robust dialogue and shared insights, this roundtable served as a catalyst for continued collaboration and cohesive actions toward the shared goal of fulfilling gender equality and creating a safer society free from violence, particularly against women.