Ibrahima Makarios from Swedish Alexandria Institute Your Excellencies, thank you for giving me this opportunity. My name is Makarius Alkomus. I am a Coptic lawyer and activists working on minority issues in Egypt. We, minority youth, believe that digital media is not just a tool to express ourselves and raise our concerns. But sometimes it is the only tool available for us. Publication bans, blocking website and Egyptian NGOs law, are a bunch of new governmental procedures. For minorities, these procedures are not just a limitation of effective access to digital media, it is an isolation. We have also witnessed security tracking and privacy breach for youth who posted, shared, commented or liked on Facebook. Especially those who belong to minorities. We understand the challenges that the Egyptian government faces during its war against terrorism. However, respect of Human rights cannot be a second priority. We stress on the fact that our voices and participations are part of the solution. Therefore, I have two recommendations. First, changing the current NGO's law that limits our participation in public life and digital media. Second, reconsider the strict policy towards participation of youth on digital media. Thank you. Thank you for your time.

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