Official Statement
May 15, 2025
Justice for Human Rights (JHR)
International Day of Families
Mounting Challenges and Targeted Violations Facing Egyptian Families
On the occasion of the International Day of Families, Justice for Human Rights (JHR) extends its deep respect and appreciation to every resilient Egyptian family striving to preserve its cohesion and values amid mounting challenges.
The Egyptian family, with its deep-rooted history and noble values, has long served as a vital pillar of strength and unity for society. However, this year’s observance comes at a time of serious social, economic, and moral challenges that demand collective reflection and a sincere assessment of the state of Egyptian families.
Economically, families are bearing the brunt of an increasingly harsh financial climate. Soaring living costs, eroding purchasing power, and rising unemployment have placed immense burdens on the majority of households. Many family members are forced to work extended hours simply to meet basic needs, leaving little time for familial bonding or healthy child-rearing. Moreover, growing economic disparities have fueled frustration and a deepening sense of inequality.
Socially, Egypt has witnessed a troubling rise in divorce rates in 2024, particularly among individuals aged 25 to 30. In a regional comparison, Egypt ranked second among Arab countries, with 2.3 divorces per 1,000 people—an alarming statistic that threatens social cohesion and has lasting psychological effects on children. Additionally, increasing rates of delayed marriage among youth—largely driven by economic and social pressures—highlight the shifting dynamics of family formation.
Politically, the families of political dissidents continue to face severe, systematic violations at the hands of the authorities. These include arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances of sons, fathers, mothers—even entire families—who endure dire economic, social, and psychological conditions. Harsh restrictions during prison visits further compound their suffering. Moreover, authorities have confiscated family assets through orders of freezing, seizure, and appropriation—totaling an estimated 300 billion Egyptian pounds, much of it from service-based projects meant to benefit the broader public.
These escalating challenges and human rights violations call for an urgent and comprehensive response. The state must assume its full responsibility in safeguarding families, ensuring their well-being, and enacting legislation that protects their rights and dignity. It is also imperative to raise awareness about the detrimental impact of irresponsible media content and to promote a responsible and constructive media landscape.
Justice for Human Rights (JHR) urges unified efforts across all sectors—government, civil society, human rights organizations, and families themselves—to confront these challenges, protect Egyptian families, and empower them to fulfill their vital role in building a strong, just, and prosperous society that upholds the rights and dignity of all its members.