This new wave of retaliation follows years of continued repression against civil society and human rights defenders, using security as an excuse to undermine human rights, they said in a statement. engage in their legitimate public affairs, they said in a statement.
Egypt is hosting COP27, which will be held in the resort town of Sharm el-Sheikh from 6 to 18 November.
‘Climate of fear’
“Arrests and detentions, asset freezes of NGOs and displacements and restrictions on movement of human rights defenders have created an atmosphere,” the experts said. atmosphere of fear for Egyptian civil society organizations to participate explicitly at COP27”.
Egyptian NGOs have previously suffered harassment, intimidation and retaliation for cooperating with the UN, they added.
The five experts who made this statement are all Special Rapporteurs, appointed by the United Nations. Dong Nhan Quyen Association in Geneva.
They said the main concerns of civil society activists were the lack of information and transparent accreditation criteria for Egyptian NGOs, the coordinated increase in hotel room rates, the excessive restrictions on the right to freedom of peaceful assembly outside the conference venue and unwarranted delays in the provision of visas to those traveling from abroad.
An important role
They highlighted the essential role of civil society in driving climate action and urged Egypt to ensure safe and meaningful participation at the conference, including by independent groups.
“Rather than further restricting their rights, civil society organizations and human rights defenders, including climate rights activists, must be given the opportunity to raise awareness of the importance of climate change. their points and protection needs,” the experts said.
“We strongly believe that COP27, organized by the United Nations, should uphold the right of the public to participate in public activities, as recognized by Egypt.”
Experts have also supported civil society’s calls to the United Nations climate agency, the conference watchdog, UNFCCCto develop human rights criteria that future COP host countries must commit to meeting as part of the hosting agreement.
About UN rapporteurs
The statement was made by Ian Fry, Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights in the context of climate change; Mary Lawlor, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders; Fionnuala Ni Aoláin, Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights in the fight against terrorismClement Nyaletsossi Voule, Special Rapporteur on freedom of peaceful assembly and associationand Irene Khan, Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of freedom of opinion and expression.
They are one of the independent experts appointed by the Human Rights Council to monitor and report on country-specific situations or topical issues.
The Special Rapporteur is independent of any government or organization, works on a voluntary basis, and serves in his or her personal capacity.
They are not employees of the United Nations and are not paid for their work.
