Egypt

By Larry Kilman

Monday, 12 December 2016

You would think that an NGO that provides resources and counseling for runaway children would be praised and respected for this sad but necessary work. But in Egypt, a group doing just that faces prosecution.

This case is an example of the an all-too-common tactic employed by repressive regimes in response to legitimate criticism: use the legal system to silence critics. All too often, the charges are false. But they have the desired effect. Not only do they tie up human rights and civil society workers in lengthy court proceedings, but they also instill fear in others if they dare to speak out.

The international community, including governments, intergovernmental organizations, human rights organizations, donor organizations and others need to use all their resources to promote rule of law and the value of human rights in all their discussions with the Egyptian government and other such regimes. And more resources should be devoted to training NGO workers about their safety and legal rights, especially where they are needed the most.

(Photo of Aya Hijazi, center, courtesy of the Belady Foundation via PBS)