CABINET WATCH- The Madbouly Cabinet signed off yesterday on the establishment of a permanent Human Rights Committee, according to an official statement. The committee is mandated with handling all issues pertaining to Egypt’s human rights portfolio, including responding to allegations of rights abuses and putting in place a vision and policy strategy for improving Egypt’s rights record. The committee will also be responsible for relaying these developments to international organizations, including the UN, and ensuring Egypt’s compliance with rights-related international agreements and laws. Cabinet spokesman Nader Saad hit the airwaves last night to discuss the committee Yahduth fi Masr’s Sherif Amer (watch, runtime: 3:57). It remains unclear whether the committee would replace the National Human Rights Council or if it is simply a cabinet-level coordinating body.

The ministers also approved a presidential decision to set up a private university in Assiut named Sphinx University. The university is required to sign a cooperation agreement with “reputable” foreign universities and hire a full teaching staff before opening its doors to students.