Egypt’s draft laws must conform to human rights standards – Ban
June 6, 2013: UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today cited the need for Egypt to
ensure that its draft laws conform to international human rights standards and respond
to the aspirations of its people, as the country proceeds with its democratic transition.
“He stresses the critical importance of the rights to freedom of association and
expression to the democratic process in the country and calls for dedicated efforts
to secure their full enjoyment,” said a statement issued by the Secretary-General’s
spokesperson.
Mr. Ban recalled the concerns expressed last month by UN High
Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay over the draft law on association, which
she felt, if adopted, would impose a series of “draconian restrictions” on civil society
organizations, especially those focused on human rights.
“It seems that there
is a real risk that the current draft will not only make it difficult for civil society
to operate freely and effectively, but may also conflict with Egypt’s obligations
under international law to uphold the right to freedom of association,” Ms. Pillay
had stated.
In today’s statement, Mr. Ban said that any new draft law on associations
“should conform to international human rights standards, and respond to the aspirations
of the people.”
In addition, he said the conviction and sentencing of a number
of local and foreign employees of international non-governmental organizations is
a sign of “an increasingly restrictive environment” for civil society in the country.
“The
Secretary-General reaffirms the commitment of the United Nations to work alongside
the Government and the people of Egypt in support of the country’s democratic transition,
development and prosperity,” the statement added.
Egypt has been undergoing
a democratic transition following the toppling of President Hosni Mubarak two years
ago in the wake of mass protests similar to those seen in other parts of the Middle
East and North Africa as part of the “Arab Spring.