At the conclusion of the 61st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, the Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies (CIHRS) warns that the architecture of international law is …
CIHRS Report: Armed groups terrorising judiciary and undermining rule of law in Libya
In Libya, judicial personnel are regularly targeted by assassination, kidnapping, arbitrary detainment, and armed attacks; this alarming phenomenon has been the backdrop against which Libya’s judiciary has operated since 2012 until now. Investigations into these violations are often stalled or never initiated, entrenching impunity and sowing instability under a critically undermined and fragmented legal landscape.
Egypt: Rights groups call for the release of lawyer Hoda Abdel Moneim over health concerns and prolonged detention
The Regional Coalition for Women Human Rights Defenders in South West Asia and North Africa (WHRDMENA) and the undersigned organizations express their deep concern and profound regret over the health …
Concerns and Recommendations Regarding the Reduction of Periodicity of Reporting for Special Procedures to the General Assembly
Excellencies, We write to you regarding ongoing discussions at the Human Rights Council on the periodicity of reporting of Special Procedures to the General Assembly. Such reporting is critical to …
Another Devastating War in Lebanon as Israel Evades Accountability
The Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies (CIHRS) is alarmed by the escalating regional war and Israel’s military operation in Lebanon in blatant violation of international humanitarian law. Since 2 …
Egypt: Lift Travel Ban imposed on Hoda Abdelwahab ten years ago
The undersigned organisations call on the Egyptian authorities to immediately lift the travel ban imposed ten years ago on Egyptian lawyer Hoda Abdelwahab, in connection with Case 173/2011 and to …
Political Dominance – When Economic Performance Takes a Back Seat - Ishac Diwan
In this paper, Ishac Diwan analyses how autocratic regimes in the Middle East sustain political dominance, including through the exploitation of rents that support the security state and entrench a system of crony capitalism wherein loyalty is secured through corruption as opposition is quelled. Economic performance is subsequently weakened under the ‘static inefficiencies’ endemic to such a system, with competition confined to ‘insiders and outsiders’ in the absence of liberalism.
Arab Limited Access Orders: Can They be Reformed? - Dr. Robert Springborg
In this paper, Robert Springborg analyses how elites in Arab states foreclose the potential for peaceful change by monopolising power and wealth while excluding the majority of citizens from influence on policymaking. Through repression and corruption, elites protect their privileges by resisting reform and reinforcing the encroachment of the ‘deep state’.
Civilian suffering compounded by expanding, devastating conflict threatening the Middle East
The US–Israel attack against Iran on 28 February 2026 and its regional spillover is plunging the Middle East into a new and devastating cycle of violence. Unless the international community …