More than twenty international and regional rights organizations have urged the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) to take decisive action against Egypt’s worsening human rights record. The appeal follows the Commission’s 85th session, where Egypt presented its official report covering 2019–2024, a document that rights groups say misrepresented or omitted key abuses JURIST.
Concerns Over Egypt’s Official Report
Egypt’s submission denied the existence of detained journalists and prisoners of conscience, framing restrictions on civil society as measures to promote “transparency.” Rights groups argue this narrative ignores widespread evidence of arbitrary detention, censorship, and crackdowns on NGOs. The Commission’s country rapporteur report similarly failed to highlight systemic abuses, raising concerns about accountability within the ACHPR process JURIST.
Civil Society’s Demands
The coalition of rights groups is calling for the Commission to:
- Recognize the scale of repression in Egypt, including mass arrests and restrictions on freedom of expression.
- Push for the release of political prisoners and journalists.
- Ensure that Egypt complies with its obligations under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
They warn that failure to act risks undermining the credibility of the Commission and emboldening authoritarian practices across the continent.
Broader Context
Egypt has faced mounting criticism from international bodies, including the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, over draft laws granting prosecutors sweeping powers and limiting legal protections. Activists argue that these measures deepen a climate of fear and erode fundamental freedoms.
Outlook
The ACHPR’s response will be closely watched as a test of its ability to hold member states accountable. For rights groups, Egypt’s case represents not only a national crisis but also a broader challenge to the African human rights system.
