6:39 a.m. - Feb 22, 2013 · Details
EGYPT HITS NEW LOW WITH NGO BAN
22 February 2013
A move by the Egyptian authorities to prohibit national NGOs’ contact with foreign organisations without prior permission from security bodies is a new low, said Amnesty International.
In a letter to the Egyptian Organisation for Human Rights, Egypt’s Ministry of Insurance and Social Affairs stated that no “local entity” is permitted to engage with “international entities” in any way without the permission of the “security bodies”, referring to instructions issued by the Prime Minister.
Amnesty International has obtained a copy of the letter. The vague language on “international entities” is likely to include both international human rights organisations and UN bodies.
Colm O’Gorman, Executive Director of Amnesty International Ireland, said: “NGOs in Egypt already face staggering restrictions, but this is a new low. It is a disturbing indicator of what may lie ahead for human rights groups.”
Under current legislation the numerous obstacles faced by NGOs include restrictions on registration and obtaining foreign funding. Drafts of new laws seen by Amnesty International are even worse – severely limiting the ability of NGOs to conduct fact-finding visits and other essential activities, as well as further restricting funding.
“We fear that the authorities are yet again trying to push through legislation to stifle criticism,” said Colm O’Gorman.
