FIDH Mission in Cairo Discussing its Report "The Price of Hope: Human Rights Violations during the Egyptian Revolution"

18/07/2011
Press release
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This mission was following the release of FIDH report on human rights abuses committed during the Egyptian Revolution and aimed at discussing the recommendations contained in the report with the authorities, in particular with regard to the prosecution of police officers allegedly responsible for serious human rights violations during the uprising.

In a very cooperative meeting, the Office of the Prosecutor made it very clear that the prosecution of those responsible for serious human rights violations remains a top priority regardless of the personality of the accused. The Office of the Prosecutor stated its focus on prosecuting those accused of corruption and embezzlement of public funds, in addition to the police officers and their superiors who are allegedly accused of the attempted killing and injury of the peaceful protestors during the 18-day revolution. They stressed the importance of accuracy and holistic approach to the investigations to ensure that justice is served properly.

The Office of the Prosecutor ensured FIDH that in fact the proceedings are not delayed. FIDH recalled that even though the pace of justice is not slow, a timeframe is important for the victims not to feel that justice is denied.
Officials from the Cabinet of ministers shared the same view as Egyptian human rights organizations in their disapproval of military trials for civilians. They stressed the importance of the right to a fair trial of every citizen in front of ordinary courts.

FIDH welcomes the fact that in almost all its meetings with the Egyptian authorities, the issue of the necessity for human rights education was raised. The role of civil society was stressed in its ability to raise awareness of human rights and assist in the building of democracy in this transitional period.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs initiated a request to establish a committee in cooperation with the Ministry of Justice to examine Egypt’s signature and the ratification of international human rights conventions. There is a general overview at the moment that Egypt has no reason to not ratify international human rights agreements, and incorporate human rights instruments into domestic legislation. The National Council for Human Rights has been effectively collaborating with the Ministry of Justice in advocating for Egypt’s ratification of several human rights treaties including the Optional Protocol on the Convention Against Torture and Ill-treatment, and the Rome Statute; both are still under examination by the Ministry of Justice. At the same time, the Ministry of Justice informed FIDH that they submitted a positive legal opinion for Egypt’s ratification of the Arab Charter on Human Rights.

FIDH request the Egyptian authorities to respect their commitments and will continue to closely monitor the implementation of the recommendations of its report for the protection of human rights and the fight against impunity of the human rights abuses committed in Egypt.

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