| EGYPT Arab Republic of Egypt Jumhuriyat Misr al-Arabiyah Joined United Nations: 24 October 1945 Human Rights as assured by their constitution Click here Updated 02/11/11 |
| CAPITAL |
| POPULATION |
| CHIEF OF STATE |
| SELECTION PROCESS |
Cairo
80,471,869 (July 2010 est.)
Hussein Tantawi
Head of Higher Military Council and
Interim Co- Leader since 11 February 2011
Head of Higher Military Council and
Interim Co- Leader since 11 February 2011
President elected by popular vote for six-year term (no term limits);
note - a national referendum in May 2005 approved a constitutional
amendment that changed the presidential election to a multicandidate
popular vote; previously the president was nominated by the People's
Assembly and the nomination was validated by a national, popular
referendum; last referendum held 26 September 1999; first election
under terms of constitutional amendment held 7 September 2005
NOTE: Head of the Higher Military Council Hussein Tantawi and
Farouk Sultan, Chairman of the Supreme Constitutional Court
assume the duties of Chief of State and Head of Government
following the resignation of President Mohamed Hosni Mubarak on
11 February 2011 following 14 days of mass protests on the streets
of Egypt calling for his ouster after 31 years of rule. The cabinet
and parliament have been dissolved.
Next scheduled election: TBD
note - a national referendum in May 2005 approved a constitutional
amendment that changed the presidential election to a multicandidate
popular vote; previously the president was nominated by the People's
Assembly and the nomination was validated by a national, popular
referendum; last referendum held 26 September 1999; first election
under terms of constitutional amendment held 7 September 2005
NOTE: Head of the Higher Military Council Hussein Tantawi and
Farouk Sultan, Chairman of the Supreme Constitutional Court
assume the duties of Chief of State and Head of Government
following the resignation of President Mohamed Hosni Mubarak on
11 February 2011 following 14 days of mass protests on the streets
of Egypt calling for his ouster after 31 years of rule. The cabinet
and parliament have been dissolved.
Next scheduled election: TBD
HEAD OF GOVERNMENT
Head of the Higher Military Council Hussein Tantawi and
Farouk Sultan, Chairman of the Supreme Constitutional
Court assume the duties of Chief of State and Head of
Government following the resignation of President Mohamed
Hosni Mubarak on 11 February 2011
Next election: TBD
Farouk Sultan, Chairman of the Supreme Constitutional
Court assume the duties of Chief of State and Head of
Government following the resignation of President Mohamed
Hosni Mubarak on 11 February 2011
Next election: TBD
| DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS |
| ETHNIC GROUPS |
Egyptian 99.6%, other 0.4% (2006 census)
| RELIGIONS |
Muslim (mostly Sunni) 90%, Coptic 9%, other Christian 1%
| GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE |
Republic comprised of 26 governorates (muhafazat, singular - muhafazah); Legal system is based on English common
law, Islamic law, and Napoleonic codes; judicial review by Supreme Court and Council of State (oversees validity of
administrative decisions); accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations
Executive: President elected by popular vote for six-year term (no term limits); note - a national referendum in May 2005
approved a constitutional amendment that changed the presidential election to a multicandidate popular vote; previously
the president was nominated by the People's Assembly and the nomination was validated by a national, popular
referendum; last referendum held 26 September 1999; first election under terms of constitutional amendment held 7
September 2005; next election TBD
Legislative: Bicameral system consists of the People's Assembly or Majlis al-Sha'b (454 seats; 444 elected by popular
vote, 10 appointed by the president; members serve five-year terms) and the Advisory Council or Majlis al-Shura - which
functions only in a consultative role (264 seats; 176 elected by popular vote, 88 appointed by the president; members
serve six-year terms; mid-term elections for half of the elected members)
elections: Advisory Council - last held June 2007 (next to be held TBD); People's Assembly - three-phase voting - last
held 7 and 20 November, 1 December 2005; (next to be held TBD)
Judicial: Supreme Constitutional Court
law, Islamic law, and Napoleonic codes; judicial review by Supreme Court and Council of State (oversees validity of
administrative decisions); accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations
Executive: President elected by popular vote for six-year term (no term limits); note - a national referendum in May 2005
approved a constitutional amendment that changed the presidential election to a multicandidate popular vote; previously
the president was nominated by the People's Assembly and the nomination was validated by a national, popular
referendum; last referendum held 26 September 1999; first election under terms of constitutional amendment held 7
September 2005; next election TBD
Legislative: Bicameral system consists of the People's Assembly or Majlis al-Sha'b (454 seats; 444 elected by popular
vote, 10 appointed by the president; members serve five-year terms) and the Advisory Council or Majlis al-Shura - which
functions only in a consultative role (264 seats; 176 elected by popular vote, 88 appointed by the president; members
serve six-year terms; mid-term elections for half of the elected members)
elections: Advisory Council - last held June 2007 (next to be held TBD); People's Assembly - three-phase voting - last
held 7 and 20 November, 1 December 2005; (next to be held TBD)
Judicial: Supreme Constitutional Court
| LANGUAGES |
Arabic (official), English and French widely understood by educated classes
| BRIEF HISTORY |
| ECONOMIC OVERVIEW |
Occupying the northeast corner of the African continent, Egypt is bisected by the highly fertile Nile valley, where most
economic activity takes place. Egypt's economy was highly centralized during the rule of former President Gamal Abdel
NASSER but has opened up considerably under former President Anwar EL-SADAT and current President Mohamed
Hosni MUBARAK. Cairo from 2004 to 2008 aggressively pursued economic reforms to attract foreign investment and
facilitate GDP growth. The global financial crisis has slowed, but not stopped, the reform efforts. The international
economic downturn slowed Egypt's GDP growth to 4.7% in 2009, predominately affecting export-oriented sectors,
including manufacturing and tourism, and Suez Canal revenues. Growth in domestic sectors, including energy,
transportation, telecommunications, retail trade, and construction kept economic growth from falling further in 2009. The
government announced three separate stimulus packages between the end of 2008 and the end of 2009 totaling $6.3
billion, but it is not clear how much has been spent. Despite high levels of economic growth over the past few years, living
conditions for the average Egyptian remain poor.
Source: CIA World Factbook (select Egypt)
economic activity takes place. Egypt's economy was highly centralized during the rule of former President Gamal Abdel
NASSER but has opened up considerably under former President Anwar EL-SADAT and current President Mohamed
Hosni MUBARAK. Cairo from 2004 to 2008 aggressively pursued economic reforms to attract foreign investment and
facilitate GDP growth. The global financial crisis has slowed, but not stopped, the reform efforts. The international
economic downturn slowed Egypt's GDP growth to 4.7% in 2009, predominately affecting export-oriented sectors,
including manufacturing and tourism, and Suez Canal revenues. Growth in domestic sectors, including energy,
transportation, telecommunications, retail trade, and construction kept economic growth from falling further in 2009. The
government announced three separate stimulus packages between the end of 2008 and the end of 2009 totaling $6.3
billion, but it is not clear how much has been spent. Despite high levels of economic growth over the past few years, living
conditions for the average Egyptian remain poor.
Source: CIA World Factbook (select Egypt)
| POLITICAL CLIMATE |
Egypt is regarded by many as being ruled by a military dictatorship. It was ruled by many other countries before
independence. Although power is ostensibly organised under a multi-party semi-presidential system, whereby the
executive power is theoretically divided between the President and the Prime Minister, in practice it rests almost solely
with the President who traditionally has been elected in single-candidate elections for more than fifty years. Egypt also
holds regular multi-party parliamentary elections. The last presidential election, in which Mubarak won a fifth consecutive
term, was held in September 2005 . Egypt has been a republic since 18 June 1953. Since the declaration of the republic,
four Egyptians have served as presidents. The first President to take office was President Mohamed Naguib. The fourth
and incumbent president is Mohamed Hosni Mubarak who has been the President of Egypt since October 14, 1981,
following the assassination of former President Mohammed Anwar El-Sadat.
According to the Egyptian Constitution, political parties are allowed to exist. Religious political parties are not allowed as
it would not respect the principle of non-interference of religion in politics and that religion has to remain in the private
sphere to respect all beliefs. In addition, political parties supporting militia formations or having an agenda that is
contradictory to the constitution and its principles, or threatening the country's stability such as national unity between
Muslim Egyptians and Christian Egyptians.
Egyptians have been living under emergency law since 1967, except for an 18-month break in 1980. Emergency laws
have been continuously extended every three years since 1981. These laws sharply circumscribe any non-governmental
political activity: street demonstrations, non-approved political organizations, and un-registered financial donations are
formally banned. Nonetheless, since 2000, these restrictions have been violated in practice. In 2003, the agenda shifted
heavily towards local democratic reforms, opposition to the succession of Gamal Mubarak as president, and rejection of
violence by state security forces. Groups involved in the latest wave include PCSPI, the Egyptian Movement for Change
(Kefaya), and the Association for Egyptian Mothers.
Source: Wikipedia: Politics of Egypt
independence. Although power is ostensibly organised under a multi-party semi-presidential system, whereby the
executive power is theoretically divided between the President and the Prime Minister, in practice it rests almost solely
with the President who traditionally has been elected in single-candidate elections for more than fifty years. Egypt also
holds regular multi-party parliamentary elections. The last presidential election, in which Mubarak won a fifth consecutive
term, was held in September 2005 . Egypt has been a republic since 18 June 1953. Since the declaration of the republic,
four Egyptians have served as presidents. The first President to take office was President Mohamed Naguib. The fourth
and incumbent president is Mohamed Hosni Mubarak who has been the President of Egypt since October 14, 1981,
following the assassination of former President Mohammed Anwar El-Sadat.
According to the Egyptian Constitution, political parties are allowed to exist. Religious political parties are not allowed as
it would not respect the principle of non-interference of religion in politics and that religion has to remain in the private
sphere to respect all beliefs. In addition, political parties supporting militia formations or having an agenda that is
contradictory to the constitution and its principles, or threatening the country's stability such as national unity between
Muslim Egyptians and Christian Egyptians.
Egyptians have been living under emergency law since 1967, except for an 18-month break in 1980. Emergency laws
have been continuously extended every three years since 1981. These laws sharply circumscribe any non-governmental
political activity: street demonstrations, non-approved political organizations, and un-registered financial donations are
formally banned. Nonetheless, since 2000, these restrictions have been violated in practice. In 2003, the agenda shifted
heavily towards local democratic reforms, opposition to the succession of Gamal Mubarak as president, and rejection of
violence by state security forces. Groups involved in the latest wave include PCSPI, the Egyptian Movement for Change
(Kefaya), and the Association for Egyptian Mothers.
Source: Wikipedia: Politics of Egypt
| INTERNATIONAL DISPUTES |
Sudan claims but Egypt de facto administers security and economic development of Halaib region north of the 22nd
parallel boundary; Egypt no longer shows its administration of the Bir Tawil trapezoid in Sudan on its maps; Gazan
breaches in the security wall with Egypt in January 2008 highlight difficulties in monitoring the Sinai border; Saudi Arabia
claims Egyptian-administered islands of Tiran and Sanafir
parallel boundary; Egypt no longer shows its administration of the Bir Tawil trapezoid in Sudan on its maps; Gazan
breaches in the security wall with Egypt in January 2008 highlight difficulties in monitoring the Sinai border; Saudi Arabia
claims Egyptian-administered islands of Tiran and Sanafir
| REFUGEES AND INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS (IDP) |
Refugees (country of origin): 60,000 - 80,000 (Iraq); 70,198 (Palestinian Territories); 12,157 (Sudan) (2007)
| ILLICIT DRUGS |
Transit point for cannabis, heroin, and opium moving to Europe, Israel, and North Africa; transit stop for Nigerian drug
couriers; concern as money laundering site due to lax enforcement of financial regulations
couriers; concern as money laundering site due to lax enforcement of financial regulations
| HUMAN RIGHTS STATEMENTS, ANALYSIS AND CRITIQUES |
2009 Human Rights Report: Egypt
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2009 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
March 11, 2010
The National Democratic Party (NDP) has governed the Arab Republic of Egypt, which has a population of approximately 83
million, since the party's establishment in 1978. The NDP continued to dominate national politics by maintaining an overriding
majority in the popularly elected People's Assembly and the partially elected Shura (Consultative) Council. The government derives
its governing authority from the 1971 constitution and subsequent amendments. Executive authority resides with the president and
the cabinet. In 2005 President Hosni Mubarak won a fifth consecutive six-year term with 88 percent of the vote in the country's
first presidential election, which was marred by low voter turnout, charges of fraud, and government efforts to prevent opposition
candidates from participating effectively. The civilian authorities did not always maintain effective control of security forces, which
committed numerous serious abuses of human rights.
The government's respect for human rights remained poor, and serious abuses continued in many areas.
There were steps forward in specific areas. The government promulgated procedures for members of unrecognized religions,
including the Baha'i faith, to obtain national identification documents and reportedly issued 17 such documents and 70 birth
certificates to Baha'i during the year. The government also permitted the newly formed Real Estate Tax Collectors Union, the
country's only independent labor union, to operate. For the first time in the country's history, a UN special rapporteur and an
independent expert visited at the government's invitation.
Click here to read more »
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2009 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
March 11, 2010
The National Democratic Party (NDP) has governed the Arab Republic of Egypt, which has a population of approximately 83
million, since the party's establishment in 1978. The NDP continued to dominate national politics by maintaining an overriding
majority in the popularly elected People's Assembly and the partially elected Shura (Consultative) Council. The government derives
its governing authority from the 1971 constitution and subsequent amendments. Executive authority resides with the president and
the cabinet. In 2005 President Hosni Mubarak won a fifth consecutive six-year term with 88 percent of the vote in the country's
first presidential election, which was marred by low voter turnout, charges of fraud, and government efforts to prevent opposition
candidates from participating effectively. The civilian authorities did not always maintain effective control of security forces, which
committed numerous serious abuses of human rights.
The government's respect for human rights remained poor, and serious abuses continued in many areas.
- The government limited citizens' right to change their government and continued a state of emergency that has been in place
almost continuously since 1967. - Security forces used unwarranted lethal force and tortured and abused prisoners and detainees, in most cases with impunity.
- Prison and detention center conditions were poor.
- Security forces arbitrarily arrested and detained individuals, in some cases for political purposes, and kept them in prolonged
pretrial detention. - The executive branch exercised control over and pressured the judiciary.
- The government's respect for freedoms of association and religion remained poor during the year, and the government
continued to restrict nongovernmental organizations (NGOs). - The government partially restricted freedom of expression.
There were steps forward in specific areas. The government promulgated procedures for members of unrecognized religions,
including the Baha'i faith, to obtain national identification documents and reportedly issued 17 such documents and 70 birth
certificates to Baha'i during the year. The government also permitted the newly formed Real Estate Tax Collectors Union, the
country's only independent labor union, to operate. For the first time in the country's history, a UN special rapporteur and an
independent expert visited at the government's invitation.
Click here to read more »
5 February 2010
Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women
Forty-fifth session
18 January-5 February 2010
Concluding observations of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women
Egypt
Introduction
2. The Committee expresses its appreciation to the State party for its combined sixth and seventh periodic report, which was well
structured and in general followed the Committee’s guidelines for the preparation of reports, with references to the previous
concluding observations, although it lacked references to the Committee’s general recommendations, as well as some specific
disaggregated data, and was overdue. The Committee expresses its appreciation to the State party for its oral presentation, the
written replies to the list of issues and questions raised by the Committee’s pre-session working group and the further clarifications
to the questions posed orally by the Committee.
Positive aspects
5. The Committee commends the State party for its withdrawal of its reservation to article 9, paragraph 2, of the Convention, and it
notes the stated intention of the State party to withdraw its reservation to article 2 within a short time frame.
6. The Committee also commends the State party’s development of a national planning methodology that has facilitated the
mainstreaming of gender issues in the socio-economic national five-year plans for 2002-2007 and 2007-2012.
Principal areas of concern and recommendations
11. The Committee recalls the obligation of the State party to systematically and continuously implement all the provisions of the
Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and views the concerns and recommendations
identified in the present concluding observations as requiring the priority attention of the State party between now and the
submission of the next periodic report. Consequently, the Committee urges the State party to focus on those areas in its
implementation activities and to report on action taken and results achieved in its next periodic report. The Committee calls upon the
State party to submit the present concluding observations to all relevant ministries, to the National Assembly and to the judiciary, so
as to ensure their full implementation.
National Assembly
12. While reaffirming that the Government has the primary responsibility and is particularly accountable for the full implementation
of the obligations of the State party under the Convention, the Committee stresses that the Convention is binding on all branches of
Government, and it invites the State party to encourage its National Assembly, in line with its procedures, where appropriate, to
take the necessary steps with regard to the implementation of the present concluding observations and the Government’s next
reporting process under the Convention.
Click here to read more »
Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women
Forty-fifth session
18 January-5 February 2010
Concluding observations of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women
Egypt
Introduction
2. The Committee expresses its appreciation to the State party for its combined sixth and seventh periodic report, which was well
structured and in general followed the Committee’s guidelines for the preparation of reports, with references to the previous
concluding observations, although it lacked references to the Committee’s general recommendations, as well as some specific
disaggregated data, and was overdue. The Committee expresses its appreciation to the State party for its oral presentation, the
written replies to the list of issues and questions raised by the Committee’s pre-session working group and the further clarifications
to the questions posed orally by the Committee.
Positive aspects
5. The Committee commends the State party for its withdrawal of its reservation to article 9, paragraph 2, of the Convention, and it
notes the stated intention of the State party to withdraw its reservation to article 2 within a short time frame.
6. The Committee also commends the State party’s development of a national planning methodology that has facilitated the
mainstreaming of gender issues in the socio-economic national five-year plans for 2002-2007 and 2007-2012.
Principal areas of concern and recommendations
11. The Committee recalls the obligation of the State party to systematically and continuously implement all the provisions of the
Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and views the concerns and recommendations
identified in the present concluding observations as requiring the priority attention of the State party between now and the
submission of the next periodic report. Consequently, the Committee urges the State party to focus on those areas in its
implementation activities and to report on action taken and results achieved in its next periodic report. The Committee calls upon the
State party to submit the present concluding observations to all relevant ministries, to the National Assembly and to the judiciary, so
as to ensure their full implementation.
National Assembly
12. While reaffirming that the Government has the primary responsibility and is particularly accountable for the full implementation
of the obligations of the State party under the Convention, the Committee stresses that the Convention is binding on all branches of
Government, and it invites the State party to encourage its National Assembly, in line with its procedures, where appropriate, to
take the necessary steps with regard to the implementation of the present concluding observations and the Government’s next
reporting process under the Convention.
Click here to read more »
FREEDOM IN THE WORLD REPORT- 2010
Political Rights Score: 6
Civil Liberties Score: 5
Status: Not Free
Overview
Ayman Nour, President Hosni Mubarak’s main challenger in the 2005 presidential election, was released in February 2009 after
serving three years in prison. In June, lawmakers approved legislation that would reserve 64 seats for women in the lower house of
parliament. However, the regime avoided substantial political reform and continued to abuse civil liberties during the year,
maintaining pressure on the opposition Muslim Brotherhood as well as independent journalists.
The government postponed the 2006 municipal elections until 2008 and began a renewed crackdown on the Muslim Brotherhood. U.
S. pressure for democratic reform had subsided after the Brotherhood’s recent gains and the victory of Hamas in the January 2006
Palestinian elections. In March 2007, a set of 34 constitutional amendments were submitted to a national vote. Official reports
stated that only 25 percent of eligible voters participated, with 76 percent of those approving the proposals, but independent
monitors put the turnout closer to 5 percent. Opposition leaders boycotted the referendum on the grounds that the amendments
would limit judicial monitoring of elections and prohibit the formation of political parties based on religious principles. The Judges’
Club accused the government of ballot stuffing and vote buying. Upper house elections held that June were similarly marred by
irregularities, and the Muslim Brotherhood was prevented from winning any seats after authorities detained potential candidates and
found spurious reasons to prevent several candidates from registering. When the postponed municipal elections were finally held in
2008, the Brotherhood was again shut out in a similar manner, and the government’s ongoing crackdown on the group led to
lengthy prison terms for many senior members.
Ayman Nour was released in February 2009 after serving three years of his sentence, but he subsequently faced periodic
harassment. His release was viewed as a sign of the regime’s confidence rather than an opening of the space for political dissent.
Egypt is not an electoral democracy. The political system is designed to ensure solid majorities for the ruling NDP at all levels of
government. Constitutional amendments passed in 2007 banned religion-based political parties, ensuring the continued suppression
of the Muslim Brotherhood, a nonviolent Islamist group that represents the most organized opposition to the government. President
Hosni Mubarak, who has been in power since 1981, serves six-year terms and appoints the cabinet and all 26 provincial governors.
The first multicandidate popular election for the presidency was held in 2005, and Mubarak’s main challenger, Ayman Nour, was
jailed on dubious charges soon after the vote.
Click here to read more »
Political Rights Score: 6
Civil Liberties Score: 5
Status: Not Free
Overview
Ayman Nour, President Hosni Mubarak’s main challenger in the 2005 presidential election, was released in February 2009 after
serving three years in prison. In June, lawmakers approved legislation that would reserve 64 seats for women in the lower house of
parliament. However, the regime avoided substantial political reform and continued to abuse civil liberties during the year,
maintaining pressure on the opposition Muslim Brotherhood as well as independent journalists.
The government postponed the 2006 municipal elections until 2008 and began a renewed crackdown on the Muslim Brotherhood. U.
S. pressure for democratic reform had subsided after the Brotherhood’s recent gains and the victory of Hamas in the January 2006
Palestinian elections. In March 2007, a set of 34 constitutional amendments were submitted to a national vote. Official reports
stated that only 25 percent of eligible voters participated, with 76 percent of those approving the proposals, but independent
monitors put the turnout closer to 5 percent. Opposition leaders boycotted the referendum on the grounds that the amendments
would limit judicial monitoring of elections and prohibit the formation of political parties based on religious principles. The Judges’
Club accused the government of ballot stuffing and vote buying. Upper house elections held that June were similarly marred by
irregularities, and the Muslim Brotherhood was prevented from winning any seats after authorities detained potential candidates and
found spurious reasons to prevent several candidates from registering. When the postponed municipal elections were finally held in
2008, the Brotherhood was again shut out in a similar manner, and the government’s ongoing crackdown on the group led to
lengthy prison terms for many senior members.
Ayman Nour was released in February 2009 after serving three years of his sentence, but he subsequently faced periodic
harassment. His release was viewed as a sign of the regime’s confidence rather than an opening of the space for political dissent.
Egypt is not an electoral democracy. The political system is designed to ensure solid majorities for the ruling NDP at all levels of
government. Constitutional amendments passed in 2007 banned religion-based political parties, ensuring the continued suppression
of the Muslim Brotherhood, a nonviolent Islamist group that represents the most organized opposition to the government. President
Hosni Mubarak, who has been in power since 1981, serves six-year terms and appoints the cabinet and all 26 provincial governors.
The first multicandidate popular election for the presidency was held in 2005, and Mubarak’s main challenger, Ayman Nour, was
jailed on dubious charges soon after the vote.
Click here to read more »
Egypt urged to lift state of emergency
11 May 2010
Amnesty International deplores Tuesday’s renewal of the state of emergency by the Egyptian authorities, who rushed through
parliament a two-year extension to emergency laws that have been used to crackdown on peaceful opposition protests.
Egyptian authorities claim emergency powers, which have been in place for 29 years, are necessary to combat terrorism and drug
trafficking but in practice they have been used to crack down on peaceful dissent and to detain people without charge or trial for
prolonged periods.
"By renewing the state of emergency, the Egyptian authorities have given their security forces, especially the State Security
Investigations (SSI) officers, carte blanche to continue to use repressive emergency powers that have clearly led to numerous
abuses,” said Hassiba Hadj Sahraoui, Amnesty International's Middle East and North Africa deputy director.
“The authorities have routinely used so-called security concerns to infringe upon human rights.”
“The laws unduly restrict the rights to freedom of association and assembly and facilitate arbitrary detention, torture and unfair
trials. We are particularly concerned that this extension comes as Egypt prepares for elections this year; the authorities are
notorious for relying on the emergency powers to lock up their opponents.”
The government also continues to crack down on freedom of assembly. In April, peaceful demonstrators calling for political
reform and an end to the state of emergency were violently repressed by security forces. Such demonstrations are ongoing across
the country.
Amnesty International has documented the arbitrary detention of hundreds of members of the country’s largest organized political
opposition, the Muslim Brotherhood, during the run up to elections in 2005.
The organization also documented the banning and violent dispersal of opposition demonstrations.
Egyptian authorities have claimed that the renewed state of emergency will be “relaxed”, with fewer restrictions on freedom of
expression.
Click here to read more »
11 May 2010
Amnesty International deplores Tuesday’s renewal of the state of emergency by the Egyptian authorities, who rushed through
parliament a two-year extension to emergency laws that have been used to crackdown on peaceful opposition protests.
Egyptian authorities claim emergency powers, which have been in place for 29 years, are necessary to combat terrorism and drug
trafficking but in practice they have been used to crack down on peaceful dissent and to detain people without charge or trial for
prolonged periods.
"By renewing the state of emergency, the Egyptian authorities have given their security forces, especially the State Security
Investigations (SSI) officers, carte blanche to continue to use repressive emergency powers that have clearly led to numerous
abuses,” said Hassiba Hadj Sahraoui, Amnesty International's Middle East and North Africa deputy director.
“The authorities have routinely used so-called security concerns to infringe upon human rights.”
“The laws unduly restrict the rights to freedom of association and assembly and facilitate arbitrary detention, torture and unfair
trials. We are particularly concerned that this extension comes as Egypt prepares for elections this year; the authorities are
notorious for relying on the emergency powers to lock up their opponents.”
The government also continues to crack down on freedom of assembly. In April, peaceful demonstrators calling for political
reform and an end to the state of emergency were violently repressed by security forces. Such demonstrations are ongoing across
the country.
Amnesty International has documented the arbitrary detention of hundreds of members of the country’s largest organized political
opposition, the Muslim Brotherhood, during the run up to elections in 2005.
The organization also documented the banning and violent dispersal of opposition demonstrations.
Egyptian authorities have claimed that the renewed state of emergency will be “relaxed”, with fewer restrictions on freedom of
expression.
Click here to read more »
Egypt: Drop Charges Against Human Rights Defenders
Trial Highlights Harassment of Civil Society
May 21, 2010
(New York) - The Egyptian authorities should immediately drop the apparently politically motivated charges against two leading
human rights defenders and a blogger, Human Rights Watch said today. The Khalifa court of misdemeanors will begin a criminal
trial on May 22, 2010, of the human rights advocates Ahmad Saif al-Islam and Gamal Eid and blogger Amr Gharbeia on charges of
defamation, blackmail, and misuse of the internet.
"These men have for years stood with victims of human rights violations and demanded that security officials be held accountable,"
said Joe Stork, deputy Middle East and North Africa director at Human Rights Watch. "By prosecuting them on bogus charges, the
Egyptian government is harming not only these three men but also all the people they help."
On February 11, 2007, the Arab Network for Human Rights Information (ANHRI), run by Eid, and the Hisham Mubarak Law
Centre (HMLC), founded by Saif, published a statement alleging that Judge Abdelfattah Murad had plagiarized entire sections of an
ANHRI report and reproduced them, without citing the source, in a book he had written. Gharbeia posted the statement on his blog,
which viewers commented on.
Three days later, on February 14, Murad filed a complaint against Eid and Saif with the general prosecutor's office, accusing the
two men of blackmailing the judge by threatening to denounce him for plagiarism if he did not pay them money.
The general prosecutor investigated this complaint and requested a report from Egypt's Internet Police, which confirmed that the
statement had been published on the websites of the two human rights groups and on Gharbeia's blog. On May 30, 2007, the
prosecutor interrogated Gharbeia on accusations of defamation in relation to the comments posted on his blog, which purportedly
included defamatory statements about Murad.
Gharbeia told Human Rights Watch that he had at the time already deleted comments from his blog that he felt were inappropriate.
On November 11, 2007, the prosecutor interrogated Eid, who confirmed that his organization had issued the statement accusing
Murad of plagiarism.
Click here to read more »
Trial Highlights Harassment of Civil Society
May 21, 2010
(New York) - The Egyptian authorities should immediately drop the apparently politically motivated charges against two leading
human rights defenders and a blogger, Human Rights Watch said today. The Khalifa court of misdemeanors will begin a criminal
trial on May 22, 2010, of the human rights advocates Ahmad Saif al-Islam and Gamal Eid and blogger Amr Gharbeia on charges of
defamation, blackmail, and misuse of the internet.
"These men have for years stood with victims of human rights violations and demanded that security officials be held accountable,"
said Joe Stork, deputy Middle East and North Africa director at Human Rights Watch. "By prosecuting them on bogus charges, the
Egyptian government is harming not only these three men but also all the people they help."
On February 11, 2007, the Arab Network for Human Rights Information (ANHRI), run by Eid, and the Hisham Mubarak Law
Centre (HMLC), founded by Saif, published a statement alleging that Judge Abdelfattah Murad had plagiarized entire sections of an
ANHRI report and reproduced them, without citing the source, in a book he had written. Gharbeia posted the statement on his blog,
which viewers commented on.
Three days later, on February 14, Murad filed a complaint against Eid and Saif with the general prosecutor's office, accusing the
two men of blackmailing the judge by threatening to denounce him for plagiarism if he did not pay them money.
The general prosecutor investigated this complaint and requested a report from Egypt's Internet Police, which confirmed that the
statement had been published on the websites of the two human rights groups and on Gharbeia's blog. On May 30, 2007, the
prosecutor interrogated Gharbeia on accusations of defamation in relation to the comments posted on his blog, which purportedly
included defamatory statements about Murad.
Gharbeia told Human Rights Watch that he had at the time already deleted comments from his blog that he felt were inappropriate.
On November 11, 2007, the prosecutor interrogated Eid, who confirmed that his organization had issued the statement accusing
Murad of plagiarism.
Click here to read more »
Statement by the Delegation of Egypt on Elimination of Racism and Racial Discrimination' third committee
1 November 2009
Mr. Chairman,
The delegation of Egypt wishes at the outset to extend its appreciation to the Preparatory Committee of the Durban Review
Conference for its strenuous efforts, which resulted in the successful conclusion of the Conference in April 2009, and the adoption of
its final document unanimously by all participating States. My delegation would also like to thank Mr. Githu Muigui, the Special
Rapporteur on Contemporary Forms of Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance, for his interim report,
and express appreciation for the valuable presentation he made during the interactive dialogue today in the Committee. We stress in
this regard the importance of the cooperation of all States without exception with the Special Rapporteur in order to allow him to
carry out the tasks mandated to him. The delegation of Egypt wishes also to align itself with the statement of the Sudan on behalf of
G77 and China.
Humanity had undergone various symptoms of social maladies that were regrettably, more often than not, related to colour, race,
religion or belief, and which had caused many historical atrocities. Despite the serious steps achieved by the international community
to implement the International Convention on the Abolition of Slavery and the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms
of Racial Discrimination (ICERD), and the ongoing efforts in following up on the implementation of the Durban Declaration and Plan
of Action. And despite the progress made so far in realizing the universality of the International Covenants of Human Rights, we still
witness the growth of new forms of racism in contemporary world. This is particularly so notwithstanding the burgeoning need on
the part of the international community to benefit from the civilizational, cultural and religious diversity within societies in promoting
understanding and integration.
Undoubtedly, the indicators that delineate an expansion of extremist rightwing tendencies, racism and xenophobia, raise grave
concern, especially that a large number of these new phenomena come out of well-established democracies that place respect of
human rights on top of their political and social priorities. This matter calls for further intensification of the efforts to spread the spirit
of tolerance and peaceful coexistence, and for enhancing the ability of communities to accommodate to the cultural diversity
stimulated by globalization.
Click here to read more »
1 November 2009
Mr. Chairman,
The delegation of Egypt wishes at the outset to extend its appreciation to the Preparatory Committee of the Durban Review
Conference for its strenuous efforts, which resulted in the successful conclusion of the Conference in April 2009, and the adoption of
its final document unanimously by all participating States. My delegation would also like to thank Mr. Githu Muigui, the Special
Rapporteur on Contemporary Forms of Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance, for his interim report,
and express appreciation for the valuable presentation he made during the interactive dialogue today in the Committee. We stress in
this regard the importance of the cooperation of all States without exception with the Special Rapporteur in order to allow him to
carry out the tasks mandated to him. The delegation of Egypt wishes also to align itself with the statement of the Sudan on behalf of
G77 and China.
Humanity had undergone various symptoms of social maladies that were regrettably, more often than not, related to colour, race,
religion or belief, and which had caused many historical atrocities. Despite the serious steps achieved by the international community
to implement the International Convention on the Abolition of Slavery and the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms
of Racial Discrimination (ICERD), and the ongoing efforts in following up on the implementation of the Durban Declaration and Plan
of Action. And despite the progress made so far in realizing the universality of the International Covenants of Human Rights, we still
witness the growth of new forms of racism in contemporary world. This is particularly so notwithstanding the burgeoning need on
the part of the international community to benefit from the civilizational, cultural and religious diversity within societies in promoting
understanding and integration.
Undoubtedly, the indicators that delineate an expansion of extremist rightwing tendencies, racism and xenophobia, raise grave
concern, especially that a large number of these new phenomena come out of well-established democracies that place respect of
human rights on top of their political and social priorities. This matter calls for further intensification of the efforts to spread the spirit
of tolerance and peaceful coexistence, and for enhancing the ability of communities to accommodate to the cultural diversity
stimulated by globalization.
Click here to read more »
To put the recommendations of Geneva in action EOHR forms the “National Committee to build a future without
emergency”
May 19th, 2010 by Editor
At the end of a seminar entitled” Towards a future without the state of emergency” which was held by EOHR on Tuesday
18/5/2010, EOHR declared the establishment of “The national committee to build a future without emergency” and to include in its
membership representatives of political parties, political forces and civil society organizations in order to launch a campaign to
negotiate with government officials and experts to practice a pressure on the government to cancel the state of emergency during 6
months, calling the government for responding to the recommendations of UN human rights council on lifting the state of
emergency in the frame of the Universal Periodic Review for the Egyptian file on the status of human rights.
Mr. Hafez Abu Seada, chairman of EOHR, called the government for finalizing the bill of terrorism which became a “dream” and a
path of salvation from the state of emergency imposed on the country since 1981, stressing that the delay in the issuance of anti-
terrorism law is a regress for the president’s promise which the government doesn’t abide to implement it. He added that despite
the gravity of terrorist acts and their impact on society and it imposes the need for public authorities to control it in order to ensure
the security and integrity of the country, taking these actions as a pretext to declare the state of emergency is not correct, the
continuing of the state of emergency doesn’t lead to terminate these terrorist actions , however the rates of these actions increased
in the light of working with the state of emergency . Also all world countries witness the terrorist actions without using the special
laws besides the existence of such deterred provisions once they are implemented rapidly.
The Emergency law violates the rights of detainees to be released as there are persons under detention since 17 years, however
they took 14 release decisions without execution, so the state of emergency shall be abolished without postponement.
Mr. Ahmed Abd El Hafeez, vice - chairman of EOHR and the lawyer of cassation, called for the abolishment of the emergency law
due to it’s bad influence on the civil and political rights system, the right to political participation and the right to fair trial,
throughout the duration of application of that law and according to it a lot of civilians had been referred to the exceptional courts
and that contradicts the human rights guaranteed by the concerned international covenants ratified by the Egyptian government and
became part and parcel of its internal law, according to article No. 151 of the constitution.
Click here to read more »
emergency”
May 19th, 2010 by Editor
At the end of a seminar entitled” Towards a future without the state of emergency” which was held by EOHR on Tuesday
18/5/2010, EOHR declared the establishment of “The national committee to build a future without emergency” and to include in its
membership representatives of political parties, political forces and civil society organizations in order to launch a campaign to
negotiate with government officials and experts to practice a pressure on the government to cancel the state of emergency during 6
months, calling the government for responding to the recommendations of UN human rights council on lifting the state of
emergency in the frame of the Universal Periodic Review for the Egyptian file on the status of human rights.
Mr. Hafez Abu Seada, chairman of EOHR, called the government for finalizing the bill of terrorism which became a “dream” and a
path of salvation from the state of emergency imposed on the country since 1981, stressing that the delay in the issuance of anti-
terrorism law is a regress for the president’s promise which the government doesn’t abide to implement it. He added that despite
the gravity of terrorist acts and their impact on society and it imposes the need for public authorities to control it in order to ensure
the security and integrity of the country, taking these actions as a pretext to declare the state of emergency is not correct, the
continuing of the state of emergency doesn’t lead to terminate these terrorist actions , however the rates of these actions increased
in the light of working with the state of emergency . Also all world countries witness the terrorist actions without using the special
laws besides the existence of such deterred provisions once they are implemented rapidly.
The Emergency law violates the rights of detainees to be released as there are persons under detention since 17 years, however
they took 14 release decisions without execution, so the state of emergency shall be abolished without postponement.
Mr. Ahmed Abd El Hafeez, vice - chairman of EOHR and the lawyer of cassation, called for the abolishment of the emergency law
due to it’s bad influence on the civil and political rights system, the right to political participation and the right to fair trial,
throughout the duration of application of that law and according to it a lot of civilians had been referred to the exceptional courts
and that contradicts the human rights guaranteed by the concerned international covenants ratified by the Egyptian government and
became part and parcel of its internal law, according to article No. 151 of the constitution.
Click here to read more »
The Council continues its support with regard to monitoring the midterm elections of the Shura Council
May 16th,2010
On May 16th,2010 Ambassador Mahmoud Karem, Secretary General of the National Council for Human Rights inaugurated at the
council the fourth and the fifth training courses on elections monitoring mechanisms, in cooperation with Elkarama Foundation for
human rights (35 trainees) and the National Center for Human Rights (40 trainees)in elqalyoubia governorate. It is part of a training
program implemented by the Council, aims to strengthen the capacity of civil society organizations on the work of monitoring the
elections, the training that will last for two days, discuss the historical and legal development for monitoring in Egypt - international
standards for free and fair elections - monitoring and documenting violations - preparing and writing reports
Click here to read more>>.
May 16th,2010
On May 16th,2010 Ambassador Mahmoud Karem, Secretary General of the National Council for Human Rights inaugurated at the
council the fourth and the fifth training courses on elections monitoring mechanisms, in cooperation with Elkarama Foundation for
human rights (35 trainees) and the National Center for Human Rights (40 trainees)in elqalyoubia governorate. It is part of a training
program implemented by the Council, aims to strengthen the capacity of civil society organizations on the work of monitoring the
elections, the training that will last for two days, discuss the historical and legal development for monitoring in Egypt - international
standards for free and fair elections - monitoring and documenting violations - preparing and writing reports
Click here to read more>>.
Along the Nile, in the 10th millennium BC, a grain-grinding Kubbaniya culture using the earliest type of sickle blades was
replaced by another culture of hunters, fishers and gathering peoples using stone tools. Climate changes and/or
overgrazing around 8000 BC began to desiccate the pastoral lands of Egypt, eventually forming the Sahara (c. 2500 BC).
Early tribes naturally migrated to the Nile river where they developed a settled agricultural economy and more centralized
society (see Nile: History). Evidence of pastoralism and cultivation of cereals in the East Sahara dates to the 7th
millennium BC. The origins of the unified Egyptian state are unclear. There are no contemporaneous sources, and later
sources are unclear and contradictory. Around 3100 BC a king unified the whole of the Nile Valley between the Delta
and the First Cataract at Aswan, with the centre of power in Memphis. Traditionally (according to Manetho), this king
was known as Menes. Several Egyptian pyramids were built and some abandoned before they were finished. Around
2575 BC, Pharaoh Khufu (aka. Cheops) made his mark on the landscape. For him, the greatest and most famous
pyramid of all was constructed, the Great Pyramid of Giza. A Semitic people known by the Egyptians as the Hyksos,
took advantage of the political instabilities of the Nile Delta to take control of it and later extend their powers south. The
period of history in which Achaemenid Persia ruled over Egypt is divided into three parts: the first Persian domination, an
interval of independence, and the second Persian domination. The last pharaoh of the Twenty-Sixth dynasty,
Psammetichus III, was defeated by Cambyses II of Persia in the battle of Pelusium in the eastern Nile delta in 525 BC,
Egypt was then joined with Cyprus and Phoenicia in the sixth satrapy of the Achaemenid Empire. Thus began the first
period of Persian domination over Egypt (also known as the Twenty-Seventh dynasty of Egypt), which ended around 402
BC. After an interval of independence, during which three indigenous dynasties reigned (the 28th, 29th, and 30th
dynasty), Artaxerxes III (358–338 BC) reconquered the Nile valley for a brief period (343–332 BC). This is the second
period of Persian domination in Egypt. The Ptolemaic dynasty in Egypt began following Alexander the Great's conquest in
332 BC and ended with the death of Cleopatra VII and the Roman conquest. It was founded when Ptolemy I Soter
declared himself Pharaoh of Egypt, creating a powerful Hellenistic state from southern Syria in the east to Cyrene to the
west, and extending south to the frontier with Nubia. Alexandria became the capital city and a center of Hellenistic culture
and trade. To gain recognition by the native Egyptian populace, they named themselves as the successors to the Pharaohs.
The later Ptolemies took on Egyptian traditions by marrying their siblings, had themselves portrayed on public monuments
in Egyptian style and dress, and participated in Egyptian religious life. Hellenistic culture thrived in Egypt until the Muslim
conquest. Aegyptus was, in ancient geography, a province of the Roman Empire, encompassing most of modern-day
Egypt except for the Sinai Peninsula. Both the provinces of Cyrenaica to the west and Arabia to the east bordered
Aegyptus. The area originally came under Roman rule in 30 BC, following the defeat of Cleopatra and Mark Antony by
Octavian (the future Emperor Augustus). It would come to serve as a major producer of grain for the empire. During the
initial Islamic invasion in 639 AD, Egypt was ruled at first by governors acting in the name of the Ummayad Caliphs in
Damascus but, in 747, the Ummayads were overthrown and the power of the Arabs slowly began to weaken. Although
Egypt remained under the nominal rule of the Abbasid Caliphate, its rulers were able to establish quasi-independent
dynasties, such as those of the Tulunids and the Ikhshidids. In 969 the Ismaili Shi'a Fatimid dynasty from Tunisia
conquered Egypt and established its capital at Cairo. This dynasty lasted until 1174, when Egypt came under the rule of
Saladin, whose dynasty, the Ayyubids, lasted until 1252. The Ayyubites were overthrown by the their Turkish
bodyguards, known as the Mamluks, who ruled under the suzerainty of Abbasid Caliphs until 1517, when Egypt became
part of the Ottoman Empire. Egypt was conquered by the Ottoman Empire in 1517. Egypt was always a difficult province
for the Ottoman Sultans to control. It remained dominated by the semi-autonomous Mameluks until it was conquered by
the French in 1798. After the French were expelled it was ruled by the Albanian Muhammad Ali of Egypt and his
descendants who pulled Egypt even further out of Ottoman control. This lasted until 1882 when the British invaded and
Egypt became a de facto colony of Britain. The reign of Muhammad Ali and his successors over Egypt was a period of
rapid reform and modernization that led to Egypt becoming one of the most developed states outside of Europe. It also
led to massive government expenditures, that ended up bankrupting Egypt and eventually led to it falling under control of
the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. The History of modern Egypt is generally accepted as beginning in
1882, when Egypt became a de facto British colony. This situation persisted until 1922 when Egypt was officially granted
independence; British troops, however, remained in the country and true self-rule did not occur until 1952 with the rise to
power of Colonel Gamal Abdul Nasser. Nasser's one party state has seen many changes but has remained in place, firstly
under Anwar Sadat, and until the present day under Hosni Mubarak.
Sources: Wikipedia: History of Egypt
replaced by another culture of hunters, fishers and gathering peoples using stone tools. Climate changes and/or
overgrazing around 8000 BC began to desiccate the pastoral lands of Egypt, eventually forming the Sahara (c. 2500 BC).
Early tribes naturally migrated to the Nile river where they developed a settled agricultural economy and more centralized
society (see Nile: History). Evidence of pastoralism and cultivation of cereals in the East Sahara dates to the 7th
millennium BC. The origins of the unified Egyptian state are unclear. There are no contemporaneous sources, and later
sources are unclear and contradictory. Around 3100 BC a king unified the whole of the Nile Valley between the Delta
and the First Cataract at Aswan, with the centre of power in Memphis. Traditionally (according to Manetho), this king
was known as Menes. Several Egyptian pyramids were built and some abandoned before they were finished. Around
2575 BC, Pharaoh Khufu (aka. Cheops) made his mark on the landscape. For him, the greatest and most famous
pyramid of all was constructed, the Great Pyramid of Giza. A Semitic people known by the Egyptians as the Hyksos,
took advantage of the political instabilities of the Nile Delta to take control of it and later extend their powers south. The
period of history in which Achaemenid Persia ruled over Egypt is divided into three parts: the first Persian domination, an
interval of independence, and the second Persian domination. The last pharaoh of the Twenty-Sixth dynasty,
Psammetichus III, was defeated by Cambyses II of Persia in the battle of Pelusium in the eastern Nile delta in 525 BC,
Egypt was then joined with Cyprus and Phoenicia in the sixth satrapy of the Achaemenid Empire. Thus began the first
period of Persian domination over Egypt (also known as the Twenty-Seventh dynasty of Egypt), which ended around 402
BC. After an interval of independence, during which three indigenous dynasties reigned (the 28th, 29th, and 30th
dynasty), Artaxerxes III (358–338 BC) reconquered the Nile valley for a brief period (343–332 BC). This is the second
period of Persian domination in Egypt. The Ptolemaic dynasty in Egypt began following Alexander the Great's conquest in
332 BC and ended with the death of Cleopatra VII and the Roman conquest. It was founded when Ptolemy I Soter
declared himself Pharaoh of Egypt, creating a powerful Hellenistic state from southern Syria in the east to Cyrene to the
west, and extending south to the frontier with Nubia. Alexandria became the capital city and a center of Hellenistic culture
and trade. To gain recognition by the native Egyptian populace, they named themselves as the successors to the Pharaohs.
The later Ptolemies took on Egyptian traditions by marrying their siblings, had themselves portrayed on public monuments
in Egyptian style and dress, and participated in Egyptian religious life. Hellenistic culture thrived in Egypt until the Muslim
conquest. Aegyptus was, in ancient geography, a province of the Roman Empire, encompassing most of modern-day
Egypt except for the Sinai Peninsula. Both the provinces of Cyrenaica to the west and Arabia to the east bordered
Aegyptus. The area originally came under Roman rule in 30 BC, following the defeat of Cleopatra and Mark Antony by
Octavian (the future Emperor Augustus). It would come to serve as a major producer of grain for the empire. During the
initial Islamic invasion in 639 AD, Egypt was ruled at first by governors acting in the name of the Ummayad Caliphs in
Damascus but, in 747, the Ummayads were overthrown and the power of the Arabs slowly began to weaken. Although
Egypt remained under the nominal rule of the Abbasid Caliphate, its rulers were able to establish quasi-independent
dynasties, such as those of the Tulunids and the Ikhshidids. In 969 the Ismaili Shi'a Fatimid dynasty from Tunisia
conquered Egypt and established its capital at Cairo. This dynasty lasted until 1174, when Egypt came under the rule of
Saladin, whose dynasty, the Ayyubids, lasted until 1252. The Ayyubites were overthrown by the their Turkish
bodyguards, known as the Mamluks, who ruled under the suzerainty of Abbasid Caliphs until 1517, when Egypt became
part of the Ottoman Empire. Egypt was conquered by the Ottoman Empire in 1517. Egypt was always a difficult province
for the Ottoman Sultans to control. It remained dominated by the semi-autonomous Mameluks until it was conquered by
the French in 1798. After the French were expelled it was ruled by the Albanian Muhammad Ali of Egypt and his
descendants who pulled Egypt even further out of Ottoman control. This lasted until 1882 when the British invaded and
Egypt became a de facto colony of Britain. The reign of Muhammad Ali and his successors over Egypt was a period of
rapid reform and modernization that led to Egypt becoming one of the most developed states outside of Europe. It also
led to massive government expenditures, that ended up bankrupting Egypt and eventually led to it falling under control of
the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. The History of modern Egypt is generally accepted as beginning in
1882, when Egypt became a de facto British colony. This situation persisted until 1922 when Egypt was officially granted
independence; British troops, however, remained in the country and true self-rule did not occur until 1952 with the rise to
power of Colonel Gamal Abdul Nasser. Nasser's one party state has seen many changes but has remained in place, firstly
under Anwar Sadat, and until the present day under Hosni Mubarak.
Sources: Wikipedia: History of Egypt
Click on map for larger view
Click on flag for Country Report
| TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS |
Current situation: Egypt is a transit country for women trafficked from Eastern European countries to Israel for sexual
exploitation, and is a source for children trafficked within the country for commercial sexual exploitation and domestic
servitude, although the extent to which children are trafficked internally is unknown; children were also recruited for
domestic and agricultural work; some of these children face conditions of involuntary servitude, such as restrictions on
movement, non-payment of wages, threats, and physical or sexual abuse
Tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - Egypt is on the Tier 2 Watch List for the third year in a row because it did not provide
evidence of increasing efforts to investigate and prosecute traffickers; however, in July 2007, the government established
the "National Coordinating Committee to Combat and Prevent Trafficking in Persons," which improved
inter-governmental coordination on anti-trafficking initiatives; Egypt made no discernible efforts to punish trafficking crimes
in 2007 and the Egyptian penal code does not prohibit all forms of trafficking; Egypt did not increase its services to
trafficking victims during the reporting period (2008)
exploitation, and is a source for children trafficked within the country for commercial sexual exploitation and domestic
servitude, although the extent to which children are trafficked internally is unknown; children were also recruited for
domestic and agricultural work; some of these children face conditions of involuntary servitude, such as restrictions on
movement, non-payment of wages, threats, and physical or sexual abuse
Tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - Egypt is on the Tier 2 Watch List for the third year in a row because it did not provide
evidence of increasing efforts to investigate and prosecute traffickers; however, in July 2007, the government established
the "National Coordinating Committee to Combat and Prevent Trafficking in Persons," which improved
inter-governmental coordination on anti-trafficking initiatives; Egypt made no discernible efforts to punish trafficking crimes
in 2007 and the Egyptian penal code does not prohibit all forms of trafficking; Egypt did not increase its services to
trafficking victims during the reporting period (2008)
Farouk Sultan
Chairman of the Supreme Constitutional
Court and Interim Co-Leader since 29
January 2011
Chairman of the Supreme Constitutional
Court and Interim Co-Leader since 29
January 2011
