| EGYPT Arab Republic of Egypt Jumhuriyat Misr al-Arabiyah Joined United Nations: 24 October 1945 Human Rights as assured by their constitution Updated 26 December 2012 |
PART II: RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS
Chapter One: Personal rights
Article 31
Dignity is the right of every human being, safeguarded by the State.
Insulting or showing contempt toward any human being shall be prohibited.
Article 32
Egyptian nationality is a right, regulated by law.
Article 33
All citizens are equal before the law. They have equal public rights and duties without discrimination.
Article 34
Individual freedom is a natural right, safeguarded and inviolable.
Article 35
Except in cases of flagrante delicto, no person may be arrested, inspected, detained or prevented from free movement except under a
court order necessitated by investigations.
Any person arrested or detained must be informed of the reasons in writing within 12 hours, be presented to the investigating authority
within 24 hours from the time of arrest, be interrogated only in the presence of a lawyer, and be provided with a lawyer when needed.
The person arrested or detained, and others, have the right of appeal to the courts against the measure of arrest. If a decision is not
provided within a week, release becomes imperative.
The law regulates the rules for temporary detention, its duration and its causes, and cases of entitlement to compensation, whether for
temporary detention or for a sentence carried out that a court final ruling has revoked.
Article 36
Any person arrested, detained or whose freedom is restricted in any way, shall be treated in a manner preserving human dignity. No
physical or moral harm shall be inflicted upon that person.
Only places that are humanely and hygienically fit, and subject to judicial supervision, may be used for detention.
The violation of any of the above is an offense punishable by law.
Any statement proved to have been made by a person under any of the aforementioned forms of duress or coercion or under the threat
thereof, shall be considered invalid and futile.
Article 37
Prison is a place of discipline and reform, subject to judicial supervision, where anything that is contrary to human dignity or a person’s
health is prohibited.
The State is responsible for the rehabilitation of convicts and facilitating a decent life for them after their release.
Article 38
The private life of citizens is inviolable. Postal correspondence, wires, electronic correspondence, telephone calls and other means of
communication shall have their own sanctity and secrecy and may not be confiscated or monitored except by a causal judicial warrant.
Article 39
Private homes are inviolable. With the exception of cases of immediate danger and distress, they may not be entered, searched or
monitored, except in cases defined by law, and by a causal judicial warrant which specifies place, timing and purpose. Those in a home
shall be alerted before the home is entered or searched.
Article 40
All residents have a right to security which is safeguarded by the State, and are protected by law against criminal threats.
Article 41
The sanctity of the human body is inviolable, and the trafficking of human organs prohibited. No person may be subjected to any medical
or scientific experiment without free, documented consent, and in accordance with the established foundations of medical science, in the
manner regulated by law.
Article 42
Freedom of movement, residence and immigration shall be safeguarded.
No citizen may be deported from or prevented from returning to the country.
No citizen shall be prevented from leaving the country, nor placed under house arrest, except by a causal judicial warrant, and for a
definite period.
Chapter Two: Moral and political rights
Article 43
Freedom of belief is an inviolable right.
The State shall guarantee the freedom to practice religious rites and to establish places of worship for the divine religions, as regulated by
law.
Article 44
Insult or abuse of all religious messengers and prophets shall be prohibited.
Article 45
Freedom of thought and opinion shall be guaranteed.
Every individual has the right to express an opinion and to disseminate it verbally, in writing or illustration, or by any other means of
publication and expression.
Article 46
Freedom of creativity in its various forms is the right of every citizen.
The State shall advance science, literature and the arts, care for creators and inventors, protect their creations and innovations, and work
to apply them for the benefit of society.
The State shall take the necessary measures to preserve the nation’s cultural heritage and promote cultural services.
Article 47
Access to information, data, documents and statistics, and the disclosure and circulation thereof, is a right guaranteed by the state, in a
manner that does not violate the sanctity of private life or the rights of others, and that does not conflict with national security.
The law regulates the rules for filing and archiving public documents, the means of access to information, the means of complaint when
access is refused, and the consequent accountability.
Article 48
Freedom of the press, printing, publication and mass media shall be guaranteed. The media shall be free and independent to serve the
community and to express the different trends in public opinion, and contribute to shaping and directing in accordance with the basic
principles of the State and society, and to maintain rights, freedoms and public duties, respecting the sanctity of the private lives of
citizens and the requirements of national security. The closure or confiscation of media outlets is prohibited except with a court order.
Control over the media is prohibited, with the exception of specific censorship that may be imposed in times of war or public mobilization.
Article 49
Freedom to publish and own newspapers of all kinds is a guaranteed subject of notification for every natural or juridical Egyptian person.
The establishing of radio stations, television broadcasting and digital media is regulated by law.
Article 50
Citizens have the right to organize public meetings, processions and peaceful demonstrations, unarmed and based on the notification
regulated by law.
The right to private assembly is guaranteed without the need for prior notice. Security personnel shall not attend or intercept such private
meetings.
Article 51
Citizens have the right to establish associations and civil institutions, subject to notification only. Such institutions shall operate freely, and
be deemed legal persons.
Authorities may not disband them or their administrative bodies without a court order, in the manner prescribed by the law.
Article 52
The freedom to form syndicates, unions and cooperatives is a right guaranteed by law. They shall be deemed legal persons, be formed on
a democratic basis, operate freely, participate in the service of community service, raising the standard of productivity among their
members, and safeguarding their assets.
Authorities may not disband them or their boards except under a court order.
Article 53
Professional syndicates are regulated by law and managed on a democratic basis, the accountability of their members subject to
professional codes of ethics. One trade union is allowed per profession.
Authorities may not disband the boards of professional syndicates except with a court order, and may not place them under sequestration.
Article 54
Every individual has the right to address public authorities in writing and under his own signature.
Addressing public authorities should not be in the name of groups, with the exception of juridical persons.
Article 55
Citizen participation in public life and a national duty: Every citizen shall have the right to vote, run for elections, and express opinions in
referendums, according to the provisions of the law.
The State is responsible for the inclusion of the name of every citizen who is qualified to vote in the voters’ database without waiting for
an application.
The State shall ensure the fairness, validity, impartiality and integrity of referendums and elections. Interference in anything of the above is
a crime punishable by law.
Article 56
The State shall safeguard the interests of Egyptians living abroad, protect them and protect their rights and freedoms, help them perform
their public duties toward the Egyptian State and society, and encourage their contribution to the development of the nation.
Their participation in elections and referendums is regulated by law.
Article 57
The right to political asylum shall be granted by the State to every foreigner deprived in their country of public rights and freedoms
guaranteed by the Constitution.
Extradition of political refugees is prohibited.
All of the above shall be subject to law regulations.
Chapter Three: Economic and social rights
Article 58
High-quality education is a right guaranteed by the State for every citizen. It is free throughout its stages in all government institutions,
obligatory in the primary stage, and the State shall work to extend obligation to other stages.
The State supports and encourages technical education, and oversees education in all its forms.
All educational institutions, public and private, local and otherwise shall abide by the State educational plans and goals, and realize the link
between education and the needs of society and production.
Article 59
The State shall guarantee the freedom of scientific and literary research. The autonomy of universities, scientific and linguistic academies,
and research centers shall be safeguarded; the State shall provide them with a sufficient percentage of the national revenue.
Article 60
The Arabic language is a primary subject in all stages of education in all educational institutions.
Religious education and national history are core subjects of pre-university education in all its forms.
Universities shall be committed to the teaching of ethics pertaining to the various disciplines.
Article 61
The State shall develop a comprehensive plan to eradicate illiteracy across ages, for males and females, to be executed with social
participation within 10 years from the date of the constitution.
Article 62
Healthcare is a right of every citizen, and the State shall allocate a sufficient percentage of the national revenue.
The State shall provide healthcare services and health insurance in accordance with just and high standards, to be free of charge for those
who are unable to pay.
All health facilities shall provide various forms of medical treatment to every citizen in cases of emergency or life danger.
The State shall supervise all health facilities, inspect them for quality of services, and monitor all materials, products and means of health-
related publicity. Legislation to regulate such supervision shall be drafted.
Article 63
Work is a right, duty and honor for every citizen, guaranteed by the State on the basis of the principles of equality, justice and equal
opportunities.
There shall be no forced labor except in accordance with law.
Public sector employees shall work in the service of the people. The State shall employ citizens on the basis of merit, without nepotism or
mediation. Any violation is a crime punishable by law.
The State guarantees for every worker the right to fair pay, vacation, retirement and social security, healthcare, protection against
occupational hazards, and the application of occupational safety conditions in the workplace, as prescribed by law.
Workers may not be dismissed except in the cases prescribed by law.
The right to peaceful strike is regulated by law.
Article 64
With regards to the martyrs and the injured of wars, of the 25 January revolution, and of national duty, the State shall honor them and
support their families, as well as war veterans and the injured, the families of those missing at war, and similar cases.
They, their children and their wives shall have priority in employment opportunities.
All of the above shall be regulated by law.
Article 65
The State shall provide social insurance services.
All citizens unable to support themselves and their families in cases of incapacity, unemployment and old age have the right to social
insurance guaranteeing a minimum sustenance.
Article 66
The State shall provide an adequate pension for small-scale farmers, agricultural workers, casual workers, and all who do not have access
to the social insurance system.
All are subject to law regulations.
Article 67
Adequate housing, clean water and healthy food are given rights.
The state adopts a national housing plan, its basis in social justice, the promotion of independent initiatives and housing cooperatives, and
the regulation of the use of national territory for the purposes of construction, in accordance with public interest and with the rights of
future generations.
Article 68
Everyone has the right to play sports.
State and social institutions shall strive to discover talented athletes and support them, and take the necessary measures to encourage
exercise.
Article 69
All individuals have the right to a healthy environment. The State shall safeguard the environment against pollution, and promote the use of
natural resources in a manner that prevents damage to the environment and preserves the rights of future generations.
Article 70
Every child, from the moment of birth, has the right to a proper name, family care, basic nutrition, shelter, health services, and religious,
emotional and cognitive development.
The State shall care and protect the child in the case of the loss of family. The State also safeguards the rights of disabled children, and
their rehabilitation and integration into society.
Child labor is prohibited before passing the age of compulsory education, in jobs that are not fit for a child’s age, or that prevent the child
from continuing education.
A child may only be detained for a specified period, must be provided with legal assistance, and be held in a convenient location, taking
into account separation according to gender, ages and type of crime, and be held away from places of adult detention.
Article 71
The State shall provide care for children and youth; shall support their development spiritually, morally, culturally, educationally,
physically, psychologically, socially and economically; and shall empower them for active political participation.
Article 72
The State shall provide for people with disabilities health, economic and social care, and shall provide them with employment
opportunities, raise social awareness toward them, and adapt public facilities to suit their needs.
Article 73
All forms of oppression, forced exploitation of humans and sex trade are prohibited and criminalized by law.
Chapter Four: Guarantees for the protection of rights and freedoms
Article 74
Sovereignty of the law shall be the basis of rule in the State.
The independence and immunity of the judiciary are two basic guarantees to safeguard rights and freedoms.
Article 75
The right to litigation is inalienable and guaranteed for all.
The State shall guarantee accessibility of judicature for litigants, and rapid decision on cases.
Any stipulation of immunity of any act or administrative decision from the control of the judicature is prohibited.
No person shall be tried except before their natural judge; exceptional courts are prohibited.
Article 76
Penalty shall be personalized. There shall be no crime or penalty except in accordance with the law of the Constitution. No penalty shall be
inflicted except by a judicial sentence. Penalty shall be inflicted only for acts committed after a law has come into force.
Article 77
No criminal action shall be made except under an order from a judiciary body, save for cases defined by law.
A defendant is innocent until proven guilty in legal trial, and granted the right of defense. Every person accused of a felony shall be
provided with a defense lawyer. Minor offenses, in which a defense lawyer is also required, are determined by law.
The law regulates the rules of appeal for felonies and offenses.
The state shall provide protection for victims of crime, witnesses, defendants and informants where necessary.
Article 78
The right of defense in person or by proxy is guaranteed.
The law secures, for financially incapable citizens, means to resort to justice and to defend their rights.
Article 79
Sentences shall be issued and enforced in the name of the people. Abstention from or obstruction of enforcing such sentences on the part
of the concerned civil servants is considered a crime punishable by law. In such case, a person issued a sentence in his favor shall have
the right to lodge a direct criminal action before the competent court.
Article 80
Any encroachment on any of the rights and freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution shall be considered a crime for which criminal and
civil lawsuit shall not be forfeited by prescription. The State shall grant a fair compensation to the victim of such encroachment.
The injured party shall have the right to lodge a direct criminal action.
The National Council for Human Rights shall inform the Public Prosecution of any violation of these rights, may join the injured party in a
civil action, and may appeal on their behalf.
Article 81
Rights and freedoms pertaining to the individual citizen shall not be subject to disruption or detraction.
No law that regulates the practice of the rights and freedoms shall include what would constrain their essence.
Such rights and freedoms shall be practiced in a manner not conflicting with the principles pertaining to State and society included in Part
I of this Constitution.
Chapter One: Personal rights
Article 31
Dignity is the right of every human being, safeguarded by the State.
Insulting or showing contempt toward any human being shall be prohibited.
Article 32
Egyptian nationality is a right, regulated by law.
Article 33
All citizens are equal before the law. They have equal public rights and duties without discrimination.
Article 34
Individual freedom is a natural right, safeguarded and inviolable.
Article 35
Except in cases of flagrante delicto, no person may be arrested, inspected, detained or prevented from free movement except under a
court order necessitated by investigations.
Any person arrested or detained must be informed of the reasons in writing within 12 hours, be presented to the investigating authority
within 24 hours from the time of arrest, be interrogated only in the presence of a lawyer, and be provided with a lawyer when needed.
The person arrested or detained, and others, have the right of appeal to the courts against the measure of arrest. If a decision is not
provided within a week, release becomes imperative.
The law regulates the rules for temporary detention, its duration and its causes, and cases of entitlement to compensation, whether for
temporary detention or for a sentence carried out that a court final ruling has revoked.
Article 36
Any person arrested, detained or whose freedom is restricted in any way, shall be treated in a manner preserving human dignity. No
physical or moral harm shall be inflicted upon that person.
Only places that are humanely and hygienically fit, and subject to judicial supervision, may be used for detention.
The violation of any of the above is an offense punishable by law.
Any statement proved to have been made by a person under any of the aforementioned forms of duress or coercion or under the threat
thereof, shall be considered invalid and futile.
Article 37
Prison is a place of discipline and reform, subject to judicial supervision, where anything that is contrary to human dignity or a person’s
health is prohibited.
The State is responsible for the rehabilitation of convicts and facilitating a decent life for them after their release.
Article 38
The private life of citizens is inviolable. Postal correspondence, wires, electronic correspondence, telephone calls and other means of
communication shall have their own sanctity and secrecy and may not be confiscated or monitored except by a causal judicial warrant.
Article 39
Private homes are inviolable. With the exception of cases of immediate danger and distress, they may not be entered, searched or
monitored, except in cases defined by law, and by a causal judicial warrant which specifies place, timing and purpose. Those in a home
shall be alerted before the home is entered or searched.
Article 40
All residents have a right to security which is safeguarded by the State, and are protected by law against criminal threats.
Article 41
The sanctity of the human body is inviolable, and the trafficking of human organs prohibited. No person may be subjected to any medical
or scientific experiment without free, documented consent, and in accordance with the established foundations of medical science, in the
manner regulated by law.
Article 42
Freedom of movement, residence and immigration shall be safeguarded.
No citizen may be deported from or prevented from returning to the country.
No citizen shall be prevented from leaving the country, nor placed under house arrest, except by a causal judicial warrant, and for a
definite period.
Chapter Two: Moral and political rights
Article 43
Freedom of belief is an inviolable right.
The State shall guarantee the freedom to practice religious rites and to establish places of worship for the divine religions, as regulated by
law.
Article 44
Insult or abuse of all religious messengers and prophets shall be prohibited.
Article 45
Freedom of thought and opinion shall be guaranteed.
Every individual has the right to express an opinion and to disseminate it verbally, in writing or illustration, or by any other means of
publication and expression.
Article 46
Freedom of creativity in its various forms is the right of every citizen.
The State shall advance science, literature and the arts, care for creators and inventors, protect their creations and innovations, and work
to apply them for the benefit of society.
The State shall take the necessary measures to preserve the nation’s cultural heritage and promote cultural services.
Article 47
Access to information, data, documents and statistics, and the disclosure and circulation thereof, is a right guaranteed by the state, in a
manner that does not violate the sanctity of private life or the rights of others, and that does not conflict with national security.
The law regulates the rules for filing and archiving public documents, the means of access to information, the means of complaint when
access is refused, and the consequent accountability.
Article 48
Freedom of the press, printing, publication and mass media shall be guaranteed. The media shall be free and independent to serve the
community and to express the different trends in public opinion, and contribute to shaping and directing in accordance with the basic
principles of the State and society, and to maintain rights, freedoms and public duties, respecting the sanctity of the private lives of
citizens and the requirements of national security. The closure or confiscation of media outlets is prohibited except with a court order.
Control over the media is prohibited, with the exception of specific censorship that may be imposed in times of war or public mobilization.
Article 49
Freedom to publish and own newspapers of all kinds is a guaranteed subject of notification for every natural or juridical Egyptian person.
The establishing of radio stations, television broadcasting and digital media is regulated by law.
Article 50
Citizens have the right to organize public meetings, processions and peaceful demonstrations, unarmed and based on the notification
regulated by law.
The right to private assembly is guaranteed without the need for prior notice. Security personnel shall not attend or intercept such private
meetings.
Article 51
Citizens have the right to establish associations and civil institutions, subject to notification only. Such institutions shall operate freely, and
be deemed legal persons.
Authorities may not disband them or their administrative bodies without a court order, in the manner prescribed by the law.
Article 52
The freedom to form syndicates, unions and cooperatives is a right guaranteed by law. They shall be deemed legal persons, be formed on
a democratic basis, operate freely, participate in the service of community service, raising the standard of productivity among their
members, and safeguarding their assets.
Authorities may not disband them or their boards except under a court order.
Article 53
Professional syndicates are regulated by law and managed on a democratic basis, the accountability of their members subject to
professional codes of ethics. One trade union is allowed per profession.
Authorities may not disband the boards of professional syndicates except with a court order, and may not place them under sequestration.
Article 54
Every individual has the right to address public authorities in writing and under his own signature.
Addressing public authorities should not be in the name of groups, with the exception of juridical persons.
Article 55
Citizen participation in public life and a national duty: Every citizen shall have the right to vote, run for elections, and express opinions in
referendums, according to the provisions of the law.
The State is responsible for the inclusion of the name of every citizen who is qualified to vote in the voters’ database without waiting for
an application.
The State shall ensure the fairness, validity, impartiality and integrity of referendums and elections. Interference in anything of the above is
a crime punishable by law.
Article 56
The State shall safeguard the interests of Egyptians living abroad, protect them and protect their rights and freedoms, help them perform
their public duties toward the Egyptian State and society, and encourage their contribution to the development of the nation.
Their participation in elections and referendums is regulated by law.
Article 57
The right to political asylum shall be granted by the State to every foreigner deprived in their country of public rights and freedoms
guaranteed by the Constitution.
Extradition of political refugees is prohibited.
All of the above shall be subject to law regulations.
Chapter Three: Economic and social rights
Article 58
High-quality education is a right guaranteed by the State for every citizen. It is free throughout its stages in all government institutions,
obligatory in the primary stage, and the State shall work to extend obligation to other stages.
The State supports and encourages technical education, and oversees education in all its forms.
All educational institutions, public and private, local and otherwise shall abide by the State educational plans and goals, and realize the link
between education and the needs of society and production.
Article 59
The State shall guarantee the freedom of scientific and literary research. The autonomy of universities, scientific and linguistic academies,
and research centers shall be safeguarded; the State shall provide them with a sufficient percentage of the national revenue.
Article 60
The Arabic language is a primary subject in all stages of education in all educational institutions.
Religious education and national history are core subjects of pre-university education in all its forms.
Universities shall be committed to the teaching of ethics pertaining to the various disciplines.
Article 61
The State shall develop a comprehensive plan to eradicate illiteracy across ages, for males and females, to be executed with social
participation within 10 years from the date of the constitution.
Article 62
Healthcare is a right of every citizen, and the State shall allocate a sufficient percentage of the national revenue.
The State shall provide healthcare services and health insurance in accordance with just and high standards, to be free of charge for those
who are unable to pay.
All health facilities shall provide various forms of medical treatment to every citizen in cases of emergency or life danger.
The State shall supervise all health facilities, inspect them for quality of services, and monitor all materials, products and means of health-
related publicity. Legislation to regulate such supervision shall be drafted.
Article 63
Work is a right, duty and honor for every citizen, guaranteed by the State on the basis of the principles of equality, justice and equal
opportunities.
There shall be no forced labor except in accordance with law.
Public sector employees shall work in the service of the people. The State shall employ citizens on the basis of merit, without nepotism or
mediation. Any violation is a crime punishable by law.
The State guarantees for every worker the right to fair pay, vacation, retirement and social security, healthcare, protection against
occupational hazards, and the application of occupational safety conditions in the workplace, as prescribed by law.
Workers may not be dismissed except in the cases prescribed by law.
The right to peaceful strike is regulated by law.
Article 64
With regards to the martyrs and the injured of wars, of the 25 January revolution, and of national duty, the State shall honor them and
support their families, as well as war veterans and the injured, the families of those missing at war, and similar cases.
They, their children and their wives shall have priority in employment opportunities.
All of the above shall be regulated by law.
Article 65
The State shall provide social insurance services.
All citizens unable to support themselves and their families in cases of incapacity, unemployment and old age have the right to social
insurance guaranteeing a minimum sustenance.
Article 66
The State shall provide an adequate pension for small-scale farmers, agricultural workers, casual workers, and all who do not have access
to the social insurance system.
All are subject to law regulations.
Article 67
Adequate housing, clean water and healthy food are given rights.
The state adopts a national housing plan, its basis in social justice, the promotion of independent initiatives and housing cooperatives, and
the regulation of the use of national territory for the purposes of construction, in accordance with public interest and with the rights of
future generations.
Article 68
Everyone has the right to play sports.
State and social institutions shall strive to discover talented athletes and support them, and take the necessary measures to encourage
exercise.
Article 69
All individuals have the right to a healthy environment. The State shall safeguard the environment against pollution, and promote the use of
natural resources in a manner that prevents damage to the environment and preserves the rights of future generations.
Article 70
Every child, from the moment of birth, has the right to a proper name, family care, basic nutrition, shelter, health services, and religious,
emotional and cognitive development.
The State shall care and protect the child in the case of the loss of family. The State also safeguards the rights of disabled children, and
their rehabilitation and integration into society.
Child labor is prohibited before passing the age of compulsory education, in jobs that are not fit for a child’s age, or that prevent the child
from continuing education.
A child may only be detained for a specified period, must be provided with legal assistance, and be held in a convenient location, taking
into account separation according to gender, ages and type of crime, and be held away from places of adult detention.
Article 71
The State shall provide care for children and youth; shall support their development spiritually, morally, culturally, educationally,
physically, psychologically, socially and economically; and shall empower them for active political participation.
Article 72
The State shall provide for people with disabilities health, economic and social care, and shall provide them with employment
opportunities, raise social awareness toward them, and adapt public facilities to suit their needs.
Article 73
All forms of oppression, forced exploitation of humans and sex trade are prohibited and criminalized by law.
Chapter Four: Guarantees for the protection of rights and freedoms
Article 74
Sovereignty of the law shall be the basis of rule in the State.
The independence and immunity of the judiciary are two basic guarantees to safeguard rights and freedoms.
Article 75
The right to litigation is inalienable and guaranteed for all.
The State shall guarantee accessibility of judicature for litigants, and rapid decision on cases.
Any stipulation of immunity of any act or administrative decision from the control of the judicature is prohibited.
No person shall be tried except before their natural judge; exceptional courts are prohibited.
Article 76
Penalty shall be personalized. There shall be no crime or penalty except in accordance with the law of the Constitution. No penalty shall be
inflicted except by a judicial sentence. Penalty shall be inflicted only for acts committed after a law has come into force.
Article 77
No criminal action shall be made except under an order from a judiciary body, save for cases defined by law.
A defendant is innocent until proven guilty in legal trial, and granted the right of defense. Every person accused of a felony shall be
provided with a defense lawyer. Minor offenses, in which a defense lawyer is also required, are determined by law.
The law regulates the rules of appeal for felonies and offenses.
The state shall provide protection for victims of crime, witnesses, defendants and informants where necessary.
Article 78
The right of defense in person or by proxy is guaranteed.
The law secures, for financially incapable citizens, means to resort to justice and to defend their rights.
Article 79
Sentences shall be issued and enforced in the name of the people. Abstention from or obstruction of enforcing such sentences on the part
of the concerned civil servants is considered a crime punishable by law. In such case, a person issued a sentence in his favor shall have
the right to lodge a direct criminal action before the competent court.
Article 80
Any encroachment on any of the rights and freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution shall be considered a crime for which criminal and
civil lawsuit shall not be forfeited by prescription. The State shall grant a fair compensation to the victim of such encroachment.
The injured party shall have the right to lodge a direct criminal action.
The National Council for Human Rights shall inform the Public Prosecution of any violation of these rights, may join the injured party in a
civil action, and may appeal on their behalf.
Article 81
Rights and freedoms pertaining to the individual citizen shall not be subject to disruption or detraction.
No law that regulates the practice of the rights and freedoms shall include what would constrain their essence.
Such rights and freedoms shall be practiced in a manner not conflicting with the principles pertaining to State and society included in Part
I of this Constitution.
On 28 February 1922, Egypt declared its independence for the United Kingdom, severing its status as a
protectorate. In April of 1923, Egypt adopted its first constitution. It was replaced in 1930 but, in 1935,
the Egyptian parliament readopted the 1923 constitution. It remained in affect until 1956, where a short
lived new constitution was adopted that repealed the Egyptian monarchy. On 22 February 1958, Egypt
and Syria signed a union pact creating the United Arab Republic and with it, a new 74 article constitution
and a first step in establishing the notion of Pan-Arabism. Syria seceded from the Union in 1961 as the
result of an anti-union coup but Egypt continued to call itself the United Arab Republic until 1971. A post-
union provisional constitution was adopted and the present constitution was adopted by public
referendum on 11 September 1971 with the country now named the Arab Republic of Egypt. In response
to the 2011 "Arab Spring" and the resignation of Hosni Mubarek, The Supreme Council of Armed
Forced promulgated a provisional constitution adopted on 30 March 2011. A Constituent Assembly was
assembled to write a new Constitution however, in light of an overwhelming presence of Islamists on the
Assembly who insisted that provisions be included which enshrine Sharia Law, members of the secular
alliance refused to vote on the Constitution, particularly when Mursi granted himself unlimited powers
which was passed on 30 November by the remaining members of the Constituent Assembly. The
constitution was submitted to the Egyptian citizenry where it was passed in a referendum held 15–22
December 2012 with 64% support and enacted into law on 26 December 2012. Human rights are
enumerated beginning with Part II: RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS and are detailed below and conform
with the terms and obligations as set forth in the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights, of which
Egypt is a signatory. For a full English translation of Egypt's constitution, click here.
protectorate. In April of 1923, Egypt adopted its first constitution. It was replaced in 1930 but, in 1935,
the Egyptian parliament readopted the 1923 constitution. It remained in affect until 1956, where a short
lived new constitution was adopted that repealed the Egyptian monarchy. On 22 February 1958, Egypt
and Syria signed a union pact creating the United Arab Republic and with it, a new 74 article constitution
and a first step in establishing the notion of Pan-Arabism. Syria seceded from the Union in 1961 as the
result of an anti-union coup but Egypt continued to call itself the United Arab Republic until 1971. A post-
union provisional constitution was adopted and the present constitution was adopted by public
referendum on 11 September 1971 with the country now named the Arab Republic of Egypt. In response
to the 2011 "Arab Spring" and the resignation of Hosni Mubarek, The Supreme Council of Armed
Forced promulgated a provisional constitution adopted on 30 March 2011. A Constituent Assembly was
assembled to write a new Constitution however, in light of an overwhelming presence of Islamists on the
Assembly who insisted that provisions be included which enshrine Sharia Law, members of the secular
alliance refused to vote on the Constitution, particularly when Mursi granted himself unlimited powers
which was passed on 30 November by the remaining members of the Constituent Assembly. The
constitution was submitted to the Egyptian citizenry where it was passed in a referendum held 15–22
December 2012 with 64% support and enacted into law on 26 December 2012. Human rights are
enumerated beginning with Part II: RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS and are detailed below and conform
with the terms and obligations as set forth in the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights, of which
Egypt is a signatory. For a full English translation of Egypt's constitution, click here.