U.S., Germany, and Norway Release Joint Statement on NGO Verdict

Reading the statement before the council, German representative Hans Schumacher expressed concerns with “the state of civil society in Egypt.” He opened the statement saying, “We deplore the decision of an Egyptian court in the politically motivated trial of dozen of international and domestic NGO representatives.”

He continued on to say that the trial and verdict “discourage the exercise of freedom of association.” In the statement, the governments jointly called attention to Egypt’s obligations to protect freedom of opinion and expression. The statement closed urging Egypt to “protect the ability of NGOs to operate freely,” to “repeal laws that unduly restrict freedom of opinion and expression,” and finally to cooperate with the OHCHR on Human Rights issues.

On a related note, U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Human Rights Council in Geneva Eileen Chamberlain Donahoe said, “We are gravely concerned by ongoing threats and attacks on human rights defenders, especially those most vulnerable.”

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H.E. Mr. Hanns H. Schumacher
Permanent Representative of the Federal Republic of Germany

Mister President,

On behalf of Norway, the United States of America and Germany, I speak today regarding the deeply concerning recent developments in Egypt relating to the universal human rights to freedom of association and freedom of opinion and expression, taking into account the commitment of all states in the Vienna Declaration and Program of Action to fulfill their obligations to promote universal respect for, and observance and protection of all human rights and fundamental freedoms.

We deplore the decision of an Egyptian court in the politically motivated trial of dozens of international and domestic NGO representatives. The charges, trial, and verdict discourage the exercise of the freedom of association. The court’s decision to shut down several NGOs and seize their assets contradicts the Government of Egypt’s commitments to respect and protect the right to freedom of association and to support the role of civil society in Egypt. Civic groups, including NGOs, play a key role in advancing education and civil rights and freedoms, supporting human rights, and promoting development.

We have broader concerns about the state of civil society in Egypt, given recent legislative proposals. The current draft law on associations would impose significant government controls and restrictions on the activities and funding of civic groups. We believe that the proposed law would also discourage the exercise of the freedom of association, and it could impede the ability of Egyptians to form the civic groups that are vital to Egypt’s development and democratic transition.

We are also deeply dismayed by the sharp rise over the past two years in legal action against individuals for expressing their opinions and beliefs. These actions are inconsistent with Egypt’s obligations to protect freedom of opinion and expression under the ICCPR.

       We urge the Government of Egypt to protect the ability of NGOs to operate freely, including by working with civil society and international experts to ensure that the draft law on associations conforms to Egypt’s international obligations and commitments.

       We urge the Government of Egypt to repeal laws that unduly restrict freedom of opinion and expression and to end the practice of prosecuting individuals for exercising their freedom of opinion and expression.

       We call on the Government of Egypt to cooperate with OHCHR and special procedure mandate holders, especially the Special Rapporteurs on the freedoms of association and of peaceful assembly, on the freedom of opinion and expression, and on the situation of human rights defenders. 
We hope to see progress in Egypt consistent with universal human rights and democratic values. In the spirit of the VDPA, we will continue to monitor developments and explore ways that the Human Rights Council can be constructively engaged in supporting Egypt during this time of transition. 
Thank you.

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23rd Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council Geneva, 10 June 2013 – General Debate Item 8