Egyptian-European Business Council Slams EU Parliament's Report on Human Rights Situation

On Monday, the Egyptian-European Business Council, chaired by Parliament Deputy Speaker Mohamed Abou El-Enein, strongly denounced the European Parliament decision regarding the human rights situation in Egypt.

In an official statement, the Council affirmed that the EU Parliament's decision reflects its clear unawareness of the human rights situation in Egypt and the many positive developments it has witnessed in recent years.

The Egyptian-European Council affirmed that the decision deliberately turned a blind eye to the great efforts of the Egyptian state in holding many national dialogues, achieving tremendous development in the economic and social rights, and launching the 'Decent Life' initiative.

The Council said that the European Parliament report either was not aware of the developments in Egypt or "neglected them for incomprehensible reasons", including issuing the National strategy for human rights.

It added that the EU Parliament, instead of encouraging these efforts, has contented itself by issuing reports based on false information and carries a biased and non-objective vision.

The Egyptian-European Business Council also accused the EU Parliament of using the human rights file as a tool for political pressure on Egypt to undermine its sovereignty and influence its national decision.

The Council asked: Why does the European Parliament not talk about the decent life initiative that aims to improve the quality of life of 60 million Egyptians in villages who have suffered from neglect and marginalization for many years?

"Why did the EU Parliament not talk about millions of families in cities who were suffering from housing in slums and now their lives have changed and they live in decent housing in planned areas?" the statement read.

The Council expressed its regret over the issuance of such a report against Egypt, which enjoys close relations with the European Union and shares with it many mechanisms at the governmental and parliamentary levels.

The Council called on the European Parliament to reconsider the human rights situation in Egypt in a comprehensive and objective manner.

It also noted that the European Parliament report violates the independence of the Public Prosecution and the Egyptian judiciary, which is a breach of the independence of the judiciary in accordance with international conventions.

The Egyptian-European Business Council eventually affirmed that that “upgrading the human rights system” in Egypt has become a national goal, motivated by the desire to meet the Egyptian citizens aspirations for a decent life and preserve their rights and freedoms.