Comments on statement of 31 Countries regarding human rights in Egypt

By Mahmoud Basiony, head of the Arabic Network for Digital Media and Human Rights 

During the 46th edition of the United Nations Human Rights Council, Finland’s representative cited a group statement about violations against human rights in Egypt. However, this speech was not listed on the meeting’s agenda.

Made by 31 European states and the U.S., the statement tackled claimed violations in Egypt against human rights in the unprofessional discourse, moreover, they were not specified.

On the other hand, the signed states did not inform the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Egyptian concerned authorities or require their comments.

To discuss any violations against human rights observed by human rights organizations, those violations should be documented in accordance with Istanbul Convention articles.

Furthermore, it ignored all statements issued by Egypt State Information Service and the Egyptian Press Syndicate. Both rejected all claims about the detaining of journalists or columnists, adding that all arrested agents are accused of terrorism.

The statement also did not mention Diaa Rashwan’s efforts in freeing some journalists.

The statement used the term “detainees,” although the latest constitutional amendments of Egypt in 2013 have taken off the right of “detention” from the President.

Regarding listed cases of arrest are for accused or remand prisoners, in addition, some of them could be freed by presidential pardons.

The states ignored all positive developments in the field of human rights in Egypt such as the new laws of non-governmental organizations, the wide cooperation between the community and the Egyptian government represented in various initiatives such as Decent Life.

The majority of Egyptians and the members of the Egyptian parliament rejected any report regarding violations against human rights in Egypt issued for political purposes, or by parties backing terroristic movements. On the other hand, the statement depended on such reports without ignoring the voices of the parliament, so is this freedom of speech? is it “freedom" related to certain authorities?

They insist to distort Egypt’s achievements in fields of human development, human rights, and creating a real decent life for Egyptians regardless of all economic burdens, fighting terrorism. Here comes an important question, Why do all these states insist to pressure Egypt by human rights-related files? Isn’t that considered interference in interior affairs? which is fully rejected.

If such states truly care about human rights, why are they voiceless regarding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) crisis although it could cause a drought of 120 million persons. Isn’t that violating human rights? Didn’t they classify the tensions with Ethiopia threaten the peace and the security of Africa?

Then, Egypt has the full right to refute such accusations and it will address human rights-related files with the signed states, according to the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

However, the international body would be turned to a battlefield rather than an effective institution that improves human rights status in the world based on international conventions and agreements.

Contributed by: Rana Atef