This came in the ministry's statement on the Human Rights Day on December 10 which coincides with the anniversary of the United Nations' adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

The ministry said Egypt has taken serious steps this year to promote human rights, referring to the Senate elections.

The ministry added that Egypt issued this year a law regulating non-governmental work to ensure the positive contribution of this sector under the law.

Moreover, the permanent higher committee for human rights finalized its foundation procedures and started drawing up its national strategy for human rights, the ministry said, noting that this will boost efforts in this score.

The committee has also set an all-out plan to finalize all delayed periodical reports on human rights before the end of the year.

As for religious freedom, the ministry said the ministries concerned and the official religious institutions, topped by al Azhar and churches, worked on initiatives and activities that promote tolerance and dialogue and confront extremism.

Meanwhile, the ministry noted that the government also implemented a 70-million-dollar plan for restoring Egyptian monuments, including synagogues in Cairo and Alexandria