(Cairo, 27 August 2011) The celebrations of Eid al Fitr this year 2011 have special taste for the joy of the Egyptian people of freedom after the elimination of the corrupt regime.
Eid Al Fitr in Egypt is different where celebrations with a special character are held in all cities in Egypt and is considered as a source to attract tourism especially Arabic tourism because Egypt is famous of its distinctive and different atmosphere from all the countries in the region.
And unexpectedly, the governor of Giza began the preparation for Al Eid with a way which spoils the atmosphere of celebration. He decides to isolate men from women in al Eid prayer which will be held in the square of Mostafa Mahmoud’s mosque, contrary to what has been the practice for more than two decades and this isolation reflects the lack of awareness of thegovernor for the specifity of this square which turned to a celebration’s forum for the Egyptian families especially the poor ones, where families go with their women, men and kids, arriving from several regions far away, not only to perform the obligatory prayers but also to enjoy the atmosphere of festivity especially with a low cost, and some gifts are distributed to the children after prayer from the rich ones. This gathering in the square is the only joy felt by those poor people.’
The governor decision of isolation and allocation for streets to separate between family’s members reflects the continued ego approach of the decision-makers towards the people and the taken of decision from the air conditioned rooms without study or a real understand for the need of the Egyptians or work for the provision of comfort or allow for them the basic aspects of celebration. The ECWR is feared that this decision constitutes an attempt to flirt with some of the conservative groups without an understanding for the Egyptian’s culture and their ways of celebrating Eid where Mostafa Mahmoud square was for more than two decades a forum for praying and celebrating at the same time.
And the preparation for Eid is supported by numerous good youth’s initiatives to call peoples committees to work together in order to make the streets safe for all and this will be by organizing themselves and urging all the Egyptians for the necessity of following the responsible freedom’s approach and give chances for all to enjoy Al Eid in freedom and security without violence or harassment, and the ECWR confirms his support for these important initiatives and the respect of others.
The ECWR calls upon the concerned authorities for the necessity of securing all the celebration’s places, the famous streets, the youth’s gathering, the public gardens and the centers of attraction for children.
ECWR demands from:
Giza’s Governor
- To maintain the Egyptians’ Feast celebrations in Mostafa Mahmoud Square without separating the families from each other in order to not be a bad year followed by many others like it and spoil the characteristic festive atmosphere of families in the Square. It is worth mentioning that, after the gathering of millions of Egyptians for 18 days in El-Tahrir Square without any incident, therefore, no one has the right to spoil the festive atmosphere of families in the Mostafa Mahmoud Square.
The Ministry of Interior:
- Security patrols should be provided to ensure safety in the streets over the holiday. In instances in which people’s security or freedom has been compromised, those security patrols should have the power to enforce the law and file reports of incidents in the streets.
- Special places in the police stations should be established to receive any complaints, particularly those concerning sexual harassment.
- Fire trucks should be available in public places in case any unexpected problems occur in the crowd and in order to facilitate traffic.
- A hotline should be established to respond to issues concerning safety in the streets.
The Ministry of Health
- Ambulances should be made available to provide medical assistance.
- Doctors should be readily available in all medical centers and hospitals
- A hotline should be established to receive and respond to any medical consultations or to provide any urgent request for health support and information
Ministry of Media
- The Ministry should announce that all concerned bodies are taking measures to ensure security during the holiday season for all Egyptians and visiting tourists.
ECWR wishes all a Happy Holiday Season after the great Egyptian Revolution
Best regards,
The campaign for “Making Our streets safe for Everyone”
