Doaa Mustafa: An Egyptian Human Rights Lawyer's Unyielding Fight for Justice

Doaa Mustafa, a seasoned Egyptian lawyer and human rights advocate, has spent over a decade documenting human rights abuses and advocating for vulnerable groups. Her journey into human rights activism began tragically, spurred by the disappearance and death of a friend during the Egyptian revolution. This personal loss led her to volunteer at the Hisham Mubarak Center in Egypt, providing legal support and participating in various human rights activities. In 2013, she joined the Egyptian Commission for Freedom and Rights (ECRF), where she focused on documentation of human rights violations, particularly enforced disappearances, unfair trials, and torture.

Faced with increasing risks, harassment, and threats from security forces, Doaa had to relocate twice—from Egypt to York University in 2016 for a fellowship and later to Tunisia in 2020 with Amnesty International. Despite the risks, she continued her advocacy work, including significant contributions to the human rights landscape in Libya, documenting cases of conflict-related violence and supporting at-risk defenders.

In 2024, her continuous threats forced her to seek refuge in Canada through a special federal program designed to protect human rights defenders. Although Canada offered her safety, Doaa faced new challenges, including professional setbacks due to lack of Canadian experience and personal struggles as a single mother separated from her youngest daughter, who remains in Egypt due to custody issues. Despite these hurdles, Doaa remains active in her advocacy efforts, continuing her work remotely with the ECRF and contributing to various international human rights organizations.

Her significant achievements include successfully campaigning against the death penalty in Egypt for minors, aiding in the release of political prisoners, and providing vital documentation that assists in international advocacy efforts. Notably, she worked on the prominent 'Rainbow Flag' case involving Sara Higazi, which highlighted the plight of the LGBTQ+ community in Egypt. Even facing immense personal and professional challenges, Doaa’s commitment to documenting human rights abuses and advocating for justice remains unwavering. She believes that thorough documentation can eventually lead to justice, even if delayed, and continues to strive for a world where human rights are universally respected.