The Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies (CIHRS) delivered an oral intervention before the 20th session of the Geneva-based UN Human Rights Council, addressing in it the human rights situation in Egypt amid the intensifying control practiced by the Supreme Council of Armed Forces (SCAF) over the different institutions of the country.
In its intervention, CIHRS viewed the recent unilateral constitutional amendments passed by SCAF as stripping the president of many of his core powers and entrenching military control over political life in Egypt. It expressed additional concern that similar restrictive decrees are likely to be passed by SCAF in the coming months, due to the recent dissolution of the elected Parliament.
With regards to rights violations, CIHRS condemned the now infamous practice of referring civilians to military and other forms of exceptional courts, as well as the continuation of a state policy that enshrines the use of torture and other forms of degrading treatment in an atmosphere of nearly absolute legal and political impunity. CIHRS additionally expressed concern over violations against freedom of expression in Egypt which have targeted media workers, bloggers and artists.
The intervention recognized the election of Egypt’s first president following the revolution as a memorable event which Egyptians hope will constitute a step towards a democratic state. Yet, as the newly elected president prepares to take office, a power struggle seems to threaten democratic transition in Egypt, sliding the country slowly towards a military dictatorship.
CIHRS requested that the president of Egypt ensures full cooperation with the UN Special Procedures, including by allowing for pending requests for country visits issued by several UN experts covering thematic rights and freedoms such as Independence of Judges and lawyers, arbitrary detention, involuntary and enforced disappearances, freedom of peaceful assembly and association, and the situation of human rights defenders. CIHRS further asked of Egypt’s president to ensure signing the optional protocol to the Convention Against Torture, and allowing the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) to open a regional office in Egypt, Which the government of Egypt announced its intentions to do over a year and a half ago. In this context, CIHRS expressed worry over the president’s inability to carry out a number of acts, including acts aimed at addressing large-scale rights violations, in light of the current context of unprecedented military control over government institutions, including the legislature.
The Oral intervention submitted by Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies
Share this Post