Strategic Review of the Egyptian Goodwill Committee

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the industry. Core Insights - The Egyptian Goodwill Committee is focused on enhancing child-friendly justice and addressing international parental child abduction cases, with a commitment to improving governance and legal frameworks [7][18]. - The report emphasizes the need for Egypt to consider ratifying the Hague Convention on International Child Abduction to align with international standards and improve cooperation with OECD member states [22][34]. Summary by Sections Executive Summary - The Goodwill Committee has managed approximately 200 international parental child abduction cases since its establishment in 2000, with around 85 still active [18]. - The review identifies opportunities for reform in governance arrangements, multilateral ratification, and addressing systemic barriers [19]. Assessment and Recommendations - The report outlines three main streams for reform: enhancing governance arrangements, reviewing multilateral ratification, and implementing prevention mechanisms [25]. - Recommendations include including new child justice institutions in the Committee, clarifying roles and responsibilities, and revising the Committee's mandate to prioritize the best interests of the child [30]. Understanding Child Rights and Child Abduction Frameworks - Egypt has ratified key international instruments for child rights, including the Convention on the Rights of the Child [40]. - The report discusses the complexities of international parental child abduction and the need for effective governance frameworks to manage such cases [45][51]. Strengthening the Mandate and Institutional Arrangements - Recommendations include enhancing the Committee's capacity by including the National Council for Childhood and Motherhood and the Child Protection Bureau as permanent members [20]. - The report suggests streamlining access to the Committee's services and improving case management processes [21]. Enhancing Access and Participation - The report highlights the importance of developing a user-friendly communication strategy to raise awareness of the Committee's services [33]. - It also emphasizes the need for procedural improvements to facilitate access and participation in the justice process [4.4]. Considering a Transition to Multilateral Governance - The report recommends that the Government of Egypt assess the viability of ratifying the Hague Convention to strengthen its governance framework [34]. Removing Systemic Barriers and Considering Prevention Mechanisms - The report identifies systemic barriers such as child travel bans and suggests mechanisms to mitigate these issues, including requiring parents to register their contact details upon entry to Egypt [35].