UN officials urge Egyptian authorities to respect rule of law, human rights
July 26, 2013: Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and the United Nations human rights
chief have voiced growing concern about developments in Egypt and called on authorities
to ensure respect for the rule of law and international human rights standards. “The
Secretary-General once again urges all sides to act with maximum restraint. He supports
the rights of all Egyptians to hold peaceful protests. He calls on the interim authorities
to ensure law and order along with guaranteeing the safety and security of all Egyptians,”
Mr. Ban’s spokesperson said in a statement issued last night.
“The Secretary-General
renews his calls for a meaningful national dialogue and an inclusive reconciliation
process. The aim must be to chart a peaceful path towards a full return of civilian
control, constitutional order, and democratic governance,” the statement added.
The
crisis in the country escalated earlier this month, resulting in the Egyptian military
deposing President Mohamed Morsy amid widespread protests in which dozens of people
were killed and wounded. The Constitution was then suspended and an interim government
set up.
Mr. Ban urged the interim authorities to end arbitrary arrests and
other reported forms of harassment. Mr. Morsy and Muslim Brotherhood leaders currently
in detention should be released or have their cases reviewed transparently without
delay, he added.
Meanwhile, speaking at a press conference in Geneva today,
the spokesperson for UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay stressed that
it is extremely important that security forces in Egypt do not resort to excessive
use of force.
“People have a right to make peaceful protests,” said Rupert
Colville. “All measures taken by the authorities must fully respect the law and international
human rights standards. We will be closely following how the situation develops.” (Source:
UN)