The interim governments in Egypt and Tunisia have promised transitions to democratic rule and the Tunisian and Egyptian people have embraced the opportunity for reform. They have begun to form new associations to address the many needs facing their country as it transitions to democracy. These include, building accountable and transparent government institutions and addressing the country’s economic woes.
The Washington Foreign Law Society held a panel discussion focused on the importance of maintaining a focus on human rights during this transition period, the role of civil society in the process, and the efforts of U.S. policy makers to support the transitions in Egypt and Tunisia. Panelists included Jessica Lieberman, Acting Director in the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor at the U.S. Department of State; Neil Hicks, International Policy Advisor at Human Rights First; and Kareem Elbayar, Legal Advisor at the International Center for Not-for-Profit Law.
