Ambassador Dr. Mahmoud Karem, President of the National Council for Human Rights, confirmed that the great Arab jurist and activist Muhammad Fayek represents one of the pillars of the Arab and international human rights movement, and an intellectual and humanitarian beacon in understanding the issues of human rights, peace and security, liberation from colonialism, and building bridges of dialogue between peoples and cultures.
This came during a speech delivered by Karem during the opening of the Arab Network’s foundational training course for young cadres in the field of human rights – the Muhammad Fayek course, which was held in December 2025, in the presence of Minister Muhammad Fayek, Dean of the Arab Network for National Human Rights Institutions, Alaa Shalabi, President of the Arab Organization for Human Rights, and Sultan bin Hassan Al-Jamali, Secretary-General of the Arab Network for National Human Rights Institutions, along with a number of human rights defenders and experts.
Ambassador Mahmoud Karem welcomed the participants, stressing that this session bears the name of an Egyptian, Arab, African and international national symbol who throughout his career embodied the true meaning of sincerity and dedication to serving human values and human rights, stressing that honoring Muhammad Fayek is not limited to his being a historical figure, but rather as an integrated school of thought and a profound struggle experience that represents a source of inspiration for new generations.
The President of the National Council for Human Rights pointed out that Muhammad Fayek, in his career, combined solidity of principle and courage of words, sober diplomacy and clarity of vision, and faced challenges wisely, presenting one of the truest and most difficult forms of defending human dignity, when he paid a heavy price for his positions, which was depriving him of his freedom for many years, during which he remained steadfast in his convictions and principles.
He explained that choosing Muhammad Fayek’s name for this annual training course by the Arab Network for National Human Rights Institutions was not just a symbolic honor, but rather an expression of recognition of his intellectual value and profound practical experience, and an establishment of the concept that the real human rights struggle is based on knowledge, independence, openness, and persistent, persistent work.
Ambassador Mahmoud Karem addressed the importance of holding this session in light of a very complex regional and international context, in which armed conflicts are increasing, violations are worsening, and economic and social challenges are deepening, stressing that the current stage imposes an urgent need to prepare young cadres who possess deep awareness, scientific tools, and the ability to analyze and take responsible action in the field of human rights.
He stressed that this course does not represent just a training program, but rather constitutes a serious platform for building capabilities, enhancing critical thinking, and linking human rights principles to practical reality and public policy making, which contributes to building more cohesive and resilient societies.
The President of the National Council for Human Rights stressed that human rights are not slogans to be raised, but rather a system of values and practices that constitute the basis of social justice, the pillar of stability, and a real gateway to sustainable development, noting that they represent the most important guarantee for lasting peace because of the mutual respect they establish, the protection of human dignity, equal opportunities, and real participation in building the future.
He added that commitment to human rights is not an option, but rather a strategic necessity to build a more just and secure world, which is the principle that Minister Muhammad Fayek emphasized throughout his intellectual and activist career.
At the conclusion of his speech, Ambassador Mahmoud Karem called on the participants to make the most of the session’s activities, and to be inspired by the spirit and experience of Muhammad Fayek, to be true ambassadors for human rights in their societies, expressing his wishes to His Excellency Minister Muhammad Fayek for good health and wellness, and for the continuation of his intellectual and humanitarian giving.
