Achieving full enjoyment of human rights in the Middle East and North Africa Region (MENA) requires investment at the level of national laws and policies, public perceptions and discourse, dialogue and cooperation. The civil society in MENA strives to contribute to structural and legal transformations where human rights approaches are conceptualized, discussed and enshrined in laws, institutions and practices.

 The Middle East and North Africa faces significant challenges, including situations of armed conflict, the rise of violent extremism and the counter-terrorism narrative affecting civil and political rights as well as deeply rooted discrimination against groups. The region is also affected by long-standing conflicts/disputes, such as the Zionist occupation of Arab territories. Violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law have impacted heavily the human rights situation in the region.

 Inequalities throughout the region, in terms of economic and social rights, require effective responses. Lack of access to basic services of and discrimination against specific groups, including women, youth, and migrants, ethnic and religious minorities remain a long-standing and urgent concern necessitating changes in laws, policies and practice.

During this session, activists from different MENA countries will expose the situation of human rights in MENA at the level of states policies and the different struggles of civil society to reach wider and more rights for different groups.