Hafez Abu Seada facts for kids

Hafez Abu Seada (Arabic: حافظ أبو سعدة; 1965 – 26 November 2020) was an Egyptian politician and a strong supporter of human rights. He was the leader of the Egyptian Organization for Human Rights (EOHR), which is Egypt's oldest non-governmental organization (NGO) focused on human rights. He was especially known for working against torture and police brutality in Egypt. Abu Seada was also a member of the National Council for Human Rights, an important group in Egypt that works to protect people's rights.

Early Life and Activism

Hafez Abu Seada was born in 1965 in Cairo, Egypt. When he was a student in the 1980s, he joined a movement that spoke out against the government of President Mubarak. Because of his activities, he was held by the authorities several times.

After finishing law school, he became a lawyer who focused on human rights. He became very involved in civil society, which means he worked with groups of citizens who try to improve their community.

Working for Human Rights

Throughout his career, Hafez Abu Seada held many important positions. He became the president of the Egyptian Organization for Human Rights. In the mid-2000s, he was also chosen to be a member of the National Council for Human Rights.

He was also part of the International Federation for Human Rights and worked as their representative to the Arab League from 2004 to 2007. Abu Seada attended many international human rights meetings. He regularly went to the United Nations Human Rights Council sessions in Geneva. He represented the Egyptian Organization for Human Rights, which has a special status with the UN that allows it to observe different UN meetings.

Role in Egyptian Changes

Hafez Abu Seada strongly supported Egypt's 2011 Revolution. This revolution was against the government of Mubarak. Abu Seada took part in the street protests that led to Mubarak, who had been Egypt's leader for a long time, leaving power.

He also continued to work for change when a new government came to power. He took part in the June 2013 uprising that led to the removal of President Morsi on July 3, 2013.

In 2015, Abu Seada ran in Egypt's parliamentary elections. He wanted to become a member of parliament for the Maadi area. He promised that if he was elected, protecting human rights and freedom of speech would be his top priorities. He did not win the election, coming in third place.

Later Life and Legacy

Hafez Abu Seada earned a PhD in international law from Alexandria University in 2017. He continued to be a strong defender of human rights in Egypt, even when it was difficult for civil society groups to operate.

Hafez Abu Seada passed away on 26 November 2020, at the age of 55. He died from a COVID-19 infection.

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  Hafez Abu Seada

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  Hafez Abu Seada