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National Constitutional provisions – Egypt

 

The constitution is the fundamental law of the country, reflecting the underlying and unifying values of society. It spells out the basic rights of each person; it serves as a framework for all other laws and policies, and cannot be easily changed. However, it can be changed and updated through a democratic process, and it is important to keep it alive, by popularising and using it, and by campaigning for its reform or amendment if necessary. Below we have picked out what we see as some of the most relevant articles, but please be encouraged to seek and read your constitution in its entirety.

The state is the central actor in any claim to the right to education: it is the prime duty-bearer and the prime implementer; it is the guarantor; and it is the state´s signature vis-à-vis the international norms and standards which binds it to respect, protect and fulfil the right to education. The state must therefore be judged or challenged on its central text on the right to education, whether this be the constitution, the laws or the policies.

The Constitution of the Arab Republic of Egypt 1980, amended 2007

 

EDUCATION

 

Part One

Article 18

Education is a right guaranteed by the State.

It is obligatory in the primary stage and the State shall work to extend obligation to other stages.

The State shall supervise all branches of education and guarantee the independence of universities and scientific research centres, with a view to linking all this with the requirements of society and production.

 

Article 19

Religious education shall be a principal subject in the courses of general education.

 

Article 20

Education in the State educational institutions shall be free of charge in its various stages.

 

Article 21

Combating illiteracy shall be a national duty for which all the people's energies should be mobilized.

 

Article 12

The society shall be committed to safeguarding and protecting morals, promoting the genuine Egyptian traditions and abiding by the high standards of religious education, moral and national values, historical heritage of the people, scientific facts and public morality within the limits of the law.

 

EQUALITY

 

Article 8

The State shall guarantee equality of opportunity to all citizens.

 

Part three

Article 40

All citizens are equal before the law. They have equal public rights and duties without discrimination between them due to race, ethnic origin, language, religion or creed.

 

GENDER

 

Part One

Article 11

The State shall guarantee the proper coordination between the duties of woman towards the family and her work in the society, considering her equal with man in the fields of political, social, cultural and economic life without violation of the rules of Islamic jurisprudence.

 

LANGUAGE and CULTURE

 

Part One

Article 2

Islam is the religion of the state and Arabic its official language.

Islamic jurisprudence is the principal source of legislation

 

Article 16

The State shall guarantee cultural, social and health services, and work to ensure them for the villages in particular in an easy and regular manner in order to raise their standard.

 

Part Three

Article 49

The State shall guarantee the freedom of scientific research and literary, artistic and cultural invention and provide the necessary means for its realisation.

 

RELIGION

 

Part Three

Article 46

The State shall guarantee the freedom of belief and the freedom of practice of religious rites.

 

Article 47

Freedom of opinion is guaranteed. Every individual has the right to express his opinion and to publicise it verbally or in writing or by photography or by other means within the limits of the law. Self-criticism and constructive criticism is the guarantee for the safety of the national structure.

 

PARENTS

 

Part One

Article 10

The State shall guarantee the protection of motherhood and childhood, take care of children and youth and provide  the suitable conditions for the development of their talents.