UN calls on Egypt to scrap NGO act

THE UN human rights commissioner has urged Egypt to repeal a new law on non-governmental organisations, warning that measures that curtail government’s accountability and “muzzle dissent only lead to instability” in the future.

Law 70 of 2017, which was enacted last month, requires all NGOs to work in line with the government’s development and social welfare plans or face jail.

“The crucial function of these NGOs – to hold the state accountable for its human rights obligations – has been severely hampered already through asset freezes, travel bans, smear campaigns and prosecutions,” said UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein. “This new law further tightens the noose.”

The law also requires civil society organisations to report all information on funding, activities and programmes to authorities, and to seek permission for conducting surveys and any other activities.

Civil society groups have been dissolved

The latest law replaces Law 84 of 2002, which Zeid said was “already repressive”.

In recent years, hundreds of civil society groups have been dissolved or had their assets frozen under this legislation.

More than 37 Egyptian NGO staff have been accused of “illegal receipt of foreign funding” and “working without legal permission”, according to the Office of the High Commissioner (OHCHR). None of them have been officially charged.

The revised law “places such tight restrictions on civil society that it effectively hands administration of NGOs to the government”, Zeid said.

He added that while national security was a consideration in Egypt, “muzzling” civil society was not the solution.

“Civil society and media oversight of the government are essential elements of a strong and stable society, where grievances can be openly aired. Muzzling dissent can only lead to further instability,” he warned. – ANA