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The Committee notes the information contained in the Government’s report, in particular the cooperative project established to assess the capacity of individuals and determine the assistance they need and the public awareness campaign the Government has launched to combat discrimination.

Article 4 of the Convention.  Further to previous comments, the Government replies that non-nationals with disabilities are included in the definition of persons with disabilities. In addition, foreigners from countries with which Egypt has bilateral agreements are fully covered. However, it is necessary to charge foreigners for services when there is no reciprocity agreement with their country of nationality, as the rehabilitation and employment system is already overstretched. The Committee requests the Government to keep it informed in future reports of the progress made in concluding bilateral agreements with all relevant countries and in eventually extending rehabilitation services free of charge to all non-nationals.

Article 9.  The Committee notes the Government’s statement that it is in the process of implementing a five-year plan which would include training of counsellors. It would appreciate receiving further information in future reports on the outcome of this training.