Reports
Cairo: February 2003

 Introduction      Part one        Part two       Part three        Part four

The Effect of the Emergency Law on the Human Rights Situation

 In Egypt: 1992-2002

Conclusion 

The information in this report does not include the complete picture concerning the human rights situation in Egypt during the ten-year period between 1992-2002.  Rather, the report can be seen as a general indicator of the harm done to human rights in four main areas under a state of emergency. 

Recommendations 

Whilst the Emergency Law (162 of 1958) and its amendments remain in force, EOHR makes the following recommendations: 

v     Strictly limit the use of the emergency law such that it comports with international instruments;

v     Stop immediately the transfer of civilians to military courts;

v     Abolish legislative provisions that restrict the freedoms of expression and belief, including criminal penalties attached to such provisions;

v     Limit the use of the state of emergency and its laws to exceptional cases that may cause societal harm;

v     Abolish laws prohibiting the right to peaceful assembly such as the Gathering Law (No 10 of 1914 and Law 14 of 1923);

v     Abolish laws restricting the activities of political parties and civil society organizations such as the Law of Practicing Political Rights (No 73 of 1956);

v     Issue new legislation enshrining the freedoms of expression, opinion and assembly.