"Towards a New Law for NGOs" is the title of a book recently published by the Egyptian Organization for Human Rights (EOHR) in co-operation with the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Liberty (FNF) and the financial support of the European Commission.

The publication contains summaries of the work of the "Egyptian Alliance for the Freedom of NGOs" launched by EOHR in March 2008 with the support of FNF and the declared objective to promote the freedom of association for civil society groups in Egypt. This educative campaign is a component of a regional project in which FNF and EOHR work together with an aim of promoting the freedom of association in selected Arab states.

The campaign targeted governorates in Upper and Lower Egypt, and the book summarizes the crucial issues discussed and points raised during the various meetings of the "Egyptian Alliance for the Freedom of NGOs". Among these are the concept of civil society in Egypt, the role of NGOs in society, the restrictions on their work and strategies to overcome them. Also included in the 116-page booklet is a draft-law that is compatible with the international human rights standards regarding freedom of association and that – according to the members of the "Egyptian Alliance for the Freedom of NGOs" - should replace the existing Law 84/2002 which they consider to be illiberal.

Copies of this publication have been sent to the members of the two houses of the Egyptian Parliament so that the representatives may take civil society’s position into consideration in their legislation.

"This project in Egypt is an important addition to our successful work on the regional level, and we hope the points raised by our partners from civil society will be taken into consideration in the political decision making process", said Amira Hussein, FNF-project coordinator at the Regional Office in Cairo.

The book has been edited by EOHR’s Nasshwa Nashaat. You may ask for a free copy by sending an email including your postal address to egypt@fnst.org.